Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

On a recent visit to Brussels I was amazed to observe how open the European Commission is about what it is doing and how it is performing its duties. I was also amazed to note the workings of the European Parliament and its extra powers. I was further amazed that nobody appears to know about the workings of the Parliament and the Commission and the powers they have.

On behalf of the Members of the House, I thank the President most kindly for accepting the invitation to come here and address Seanad Éireann. I wish him well in the challenges that lie ahead for him. I thank him again for his address to the House today.