Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)

Another aspect of the plan relates to outreach programmes for schools. I ask that the EU funding for exchanges via Léargas be continued. Under one project in a deprived area of Dublin Central, a group of people have been on productive exchange visits to Germany and elsewhere. If that could be extended to countries in Africa or South America, it would be a positive way to encourage and support respect and understanding of other cultures.

Seanfhocal eile, "Ní neart go cur le chéile". If we are going to come together as a lesson, it must be clear that it is for the benefit of all our citizens. In the programme for Government, it is vital that the Oireachtas is given responsibility for full scrutiny of EU draft proposals to ensure we are not bypassed. We cannot allow our country to be dominated by Europe because we have given too much away already.

See this speech in context