Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I also reference what Deputy Adams pointed to, namely, the Ceann Comhairle's correspondence of 19 September stating, "unless the House otherwise decides". It was the point I put to the Ceann Comhairle in the brief interjection I made earlier, that surely we have the authority to decide on the business of the House.

I second the amendment and I appeal to all Members of the Dáil to support the right of attendance of Northern MPs of all opinion at tomorrow's special meeting on Brexit with the European Parliament Brexit co-ordinator, Mr. Guy Verhofstadt, and their right to be heard - rights they already have as attendees at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement which was established by a previous Dáil under the leadership and instigation of the former Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern. I was here during all that time and well remember the decision - one we supported.

The amendment seeks to extend the same rights to all MEPs elected from across the island of Ireland, not only north of the Border - rights they too already enjoy as attendees at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs. The issue for address, namely, Brexit, is, of course, of shared concern to almost all these elected voices of the Irish people across this island. The MPs and MEPs have a just entitlement to be present and, as appropriate, to be heard. I would not expect they would all take up speaking time - that would not be the case.

It is not about the where. That this joint meeting of three Oireachtas committees is being held in the Dáil Chamber should not be used as a means of silencing our MP and MEP parliamentary colleagues of all political opinion, north and south of the Border. In the spirit of mutual respect and in the interest of as near to unanimity on this issue as we can possibly achieve, I appeal to all Members of the House to record their support for this facilitation.

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