Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister and his delegation for their attendance, which we appreciate. We have had very close ties with Scotland over the years and we feel as though we are the same type of people. After our meeting in Killarney, both Senator Coghlan and I felt it would be beneficial to invite Mr. Russell to come before the committee and give evidence, and I think we were right about that. We can work on what we have heard in the challenging months and years ahead. Scotland will have the same problems as we will have and we will be close allies. I commend Mr. Russell on his great work ethic over many decades and for the way he has served his community. I read a bit about him yesterday evening and I was very impressed by everything I read. It is no wonder he has been around for a long time and we all agree with his views on many of the issues. I also thank Ms Hamilton and Mr. Webster. I hope the witnesses enjoy the rest of their trip to Dublin and Ireland.