Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. Michael Russell, who is a Member of the Scottish Parliament and a Minister in the Scottish Government, along with Mr. Webster and Ms Hamilton. Mr. Russell put forward a positive approach in his submission to the committee. I thank him for his commitment to Irish culture and Scottish culture over the years. Mr. Russell has produced a document, Scotland's Place in Europe: People, Jobs and Investment. It is worthwhile research into the effects of Brexit, where Scotland places itself and the role of the Sottish Parliament and Scottish Government.

It is particularly regrettable that there is no power-sharing in Northern Ireland at the moment and that we do not have Ministers from the North coming to our committee. We have Scottish Ministers, people from Wales and people from the House of Commons and the House of Lords. However, we have no Ministers coming from the North coming to our committee for a combined effort to have a united approach.

I appeal again today to both the major parties in Northern Ireland to put every difference aside. Brexit must be the priority now. Whatever differences they have - it can be a serious matter to implement agreements made in the past - in the circumstances they should take an example from the Scottish and Welsh Governments. They are studying and are concerned about the future. They can play a vital role especially in respect of the Border and what the Border means. It runs to 499 km with 300 crossings that channel vast volumes of trade and the movement of people. It would be inconceivable that there would be border posts or controls whatever the outcome. A Northern Ireland Administration, Ministers and so forth would bring about a united approach from the island of Ireland as well. I have not much more to say. I appeal genuinely to all the negotiators to come together and to come up with the type of approach taken by Mr. Russell and his colleagues in Scotland.

From a cultural point of view, I note that Mr. Russell represents Argyll. I have been to the castle of Argyll. Mr. Russell might know about a lady from Roscommon called Elizabeth Gunning. She had the good fortune to marry the Duke of Hamilton and then she went on to marry the Duke of Argyll. I was in the castle in Argyll. It is a stunning location and a great tourist attraction. I hope that we could form some alignment between Roscommon and Argyll. We could form some sort of documentary on the extraordinary events taking place at the time. Her sister married and became a duchess as well. They were an amazing family. My mother was born in Glasgow but I toured that area. It is stunning and I know that tourism is vital for the area. I congratulate Mr. Russell on the work that he has done on the cultural side. Maria, the sister, married the Earl of Coventry. There are many connections between our county and the area of Argyll. I hope we can develop that in future and that we can work together. There is an extraordinary relationship between both countries.

I was disappointed that Scotland did not support the bid for the Rugby World Cup. That was deeply disappointing.