Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

Like Senator O'Toole, I welcome yesterday's announcement that the British monarch will pay a state visit to Ireland next year. I trust the visit will afford her the opportunity to experience the beauty and heritage of Ireland. That will, of course, involve a visit to the Lakes of Killarney. This event will be a significant milestone in the history of our two neighbouring states and I am sure we welcome it.

It should be noted that Queen Elizabeth's great great grandmother, Queen Victoria, visited Killarney in 1861 and was warmly welcomed in Killarney House and Muckross House. Queen Elizabeth's itinerary, as well as including the capital city of course, should include Killarney and the south west.