Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Tánaiste for his reply. Although there are very good links between Ireland and France, there is capacity for even greater links in a post-Brexit environment. One of the perverse positive outcomes of Brexit was the growth in direct connectivity between Ireland and France, with direct sailings from Rosslare to France, and indeed to Belgium, rising from six per week to 46 per week in each direction.

Last week in Wexford we had a delegation from Normandy developing the Norman linked history between Wexford and the south east of Ireland in particular, but with most of Ireland too, and the Normandy region of France. There is huge potential here economically, culturally and touristically. Are we taking enough concrete measures now to ensure they are fully utilised? The appointment of a Prime Minister of France who is so well versed in Ireland and so familiar with Ireland would be great advantage. I am interested to hear the Tánaiste's perspective.

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