Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)

The announcement and the arrangements for this visit were made without the necessary diplomatic preparation or consultation with other Members of this House. They were also made without any serious consideration as to the purpose of the visit, which is unsatisfactory. When people have addressed this Chamber in the past there has been quite a long preparation so that people understood the purpose of the visit. We will have a six-minute opportunity when we come to discuss the motion to express our views on what the content of the exchange with the Prime Minister should be, but the preparations for the visit and the manner in which it was announced are quite unsatisfactory. There has been an elaborate ritual involving directives, orders and other such things as to how people will parade in and out of the Chamber, and the formation in which visitors will sit, which is always very impressive and dates back to Leonardo Da Vinci. It is important, however, that an inkling be given in advance as to the purpose and intent of the visit. I do not mean to be discourteous but any visit should be better and more thoughtfully arranged, with greater respect for this Parliament.

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