Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. Verhofstadt to the Dáil Chamber and thank him for his very constructive engagement. He may recall that he met the European affairs committee in Brussels last February. At that time there was much uncertainty about the place, but I think we appreciated then and we appreciate now the sympathy and understanding he has shown for Ireland's position. As he knows, Ireland has major concerns regarding the Good Friday Agreement, the common travel area and the possible implementation of a hard border.

Because I only have one minute, I will go straight to my questions. Regarding the Brexit negotiations, does Mr. Verhofstadt think it will be very important for the British Prime Minister to give some significant indication tomorrow of the UK's position on the EU budget contribution into the future? I think Mr. Verhofstadt said solutions to the Irish question are solely a matter for the UK. Does he not think the Commission and the Parliament could also have some draft proposals on solving our particular problem? Regarding the future of Europe, the Commission has put forward five scenarios. I think the President of the Commission put forward a sixth scenario in all but name during the week. Ireland has concerns about proposals for corporate tax harmonisation and a deepening common defence policy. We are losing a friend as we lose the UK from the European Union. Can Mr. Verhofstadt assure us, now that the Franco-German axis is fully restored, that the interests of small nation states will not be forgotten about as we plan the future of Europe?