Frank Feighan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The witnesses, some of whom, such as Dr. Soares, I have met before, are very welcome. Coming from County Roscommon, I am familiar with the great work done by Ms Farrell and her organisation in County Longford. The common charter is great news and very welcome because we have taken our relationships for granted North, South, east and west. Brexit has brought a significant realisation that we are very close but it has caused much hurt and many issues need to be repaired. The charter refers to valuing the musical, literary, artistic and cultural traditions. We are familiar with that as well as sporting and other issues.

In every second house in the middle or west of Ireland, from where I come, somebody has worked in the UK or has relations there. That is something we take for granted. There are almost 15 or 16 daily flights to the UK from Ireland West Airport Knock. After centuries of trade between our countries, the British-Irish Chamber of Commerce was established in 2011 when the Queen came to Ireland. It has gone from strength to strength. The London Irish Construction Network was also established. We have begun to effectively mobilise and understand the importance of trade and sporting, cultural and religious links North, South, east and west, which is very welcome.

It is very welcome that Mark Durkan from Derry is running for Fine Gael in the European Parliament elections because it brings an influence. My colleague, Senator Ó Donnghaile, who is present, is from east Belfast and brings flavour to the Seanad, which is very welcome. More than a year ago, Senator Marshall became the first unionist to be appointed to the Seanad. Senator Ó Donnghaile can speak for himself, but I have noticed that he has brought people to the Republic or the Houses of the Oireachtas who would not otherwise interact with our Parliament. That is one thing we have left out on a political level. The Seanad is probably the most suitable vehicle to promote and share those ideas and to meet like-minded politicians.

The British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly, made up of politicians from the various Parliaments, meets at a plenary session every six months. It may now be time for a second Assembly, similar to the Seanad, in Stormont. I acknowledge that the Assembly is not up and running. Perhaps it is time to invite members of the diaspora in the UK to form part of the Seanad, as Senator Lawless represents the diaspora in the US. They would not have to be from an Irish background. It may be a person representing the British Labour Party or the Conservatives. It may be time for the Scottish Parliament or Welsh Assembly to consider establishing an upper house. It may be time for somebody from the Republic to sit in the House of Lords. That would, at least, build up those relationships.

I have noticed from chairing the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly that there is goodwill towards the island of Ireland among UK politicians in spite of Brexit. A few of them do not understand it but there is significant goodwill, as there is goodwill in our Oireachtas towards Northern Ireland and the UK. That may be an opportunity that has been left out of the project. I wish to hear the opinions of the witnesses in that regard. It can be a controversial subject. Some parties do not take their seats in Westminster and I respect that that is a matter for them. There is an opportunity on a political level, especially after Brexit. We have seen the great work done by the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly and its committees. Some 21 years after the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, we very much need to move on a political level.