Senator Michael McDowell:

I welcome President von der Leyen most warmly. I want to do her the honour of being brief. At this stage she has heard a vigorous series of exchanges of views from parliamentarians and she can see we cherish our democracy. People have spoken about it being 50 years since we joined the European Union. It is interesting to note that, 50 years ago this very day, the House was in crisis. The Government of Jack Lynch was teetering on the brink of defeat on an issue to do with the terror campaign happening on our island. The Government narrowly survived that night thanks to the Fine Gael Party. I mention this because peace on this island is not to be taken for granted. I also make the point that peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland are not to be taken for granted. The European Union has a huge role to play in this.

Maroš Šefčovič has gone very far down the road of bringing pragmatism and flexibility to the discussions about the Northern Ireland protocol and its implementation in Northern Ireland regarding the movement of goods. The Minister, Deputy Coveney, complimented President von der Leyen on the support he has received. I ask that the European Union be very flexible, pragmatic and realistic. The danger of increasing sectarian and political tension on the island exists. I know the European Union has the best interests of Ireland at heart. I know that, by showing flexibility and pragmatism in these negotiations, this issue can be put to bed and this country will prosper North and South as a consequence.

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