Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am sure Deputy Varadkar's election as leader of his party and subsequently as Taoiseach attracted very considerable interest in India and, I do not doubt, a very considerable and justifiable pride. Our two countries have a long tradition of friendship and engagement that goes back for generations, as we know, including during the efforts of India to secure its independence from Britain. We have much in common.

What was the substance of the Taoiseach's exchange with Prime Minister Modi in respect of Brexit? Bilateral trade between India and Ireland touched around $1.2 billion from 2014 to 2015. While that is considerable, there is massive scope for development. Currently, our major items of export to India include telecommunications equipment, computer accessories, precision equipment and pharmaceuticals. Could the Taoiseach give us a flavour of the conversation he had on a sectoral basis, if these issues were discussed?

Does the Taoiseach have plans to visit India? Did he extend an invitation to Prime Minister Modi to return to our shores? I understand he last visited here in September 2015.

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