Jim Higgins (Fine Gael)

I agree with Senator Ormonde that this Chamber is a suitable venue to debate what is happening in Europe. Members of the European Parliament who are not Members of the Oireachtas are ex officio members of the Joint Committee on European affairs and can attend those meetings. The problem is the rostering of the meetings. It is generally agreed that there was a useful exchange before the European elections, when outgoing Members of the European Parliament were invited to address the Seanad and take questions from Members, from the point of view of elucidating on what is happening at European level. We would certainly welcome such opportunities.

With regard to the point made by Senator Mansergh regarding the motion on the Basque peace process, which was taken in the European Parliament last Thursday, I make no apology for supporting our Spanish colleagues on that motion.