Frank Feighan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join other Senators in condemning the awful massacre in Istanbul Atatürk Airport. It happened during Ramadan, which is a period of prayer, fasting, religious devotion and charity. It belies the contention that ISIS is an Islamic or Muslim organisation. It is antithetical to Islam and that should go on the record of the House. It does not represent Islam or Muslim countries.

Brexit has happened and is causing major turmoil around the world, including on the island of Ireland, in the UK and across Europe. I am angry that people have decided to leave Europe, but they did not think of the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland - which comprise the island of Ireland - Scotland or Europe. The vote has major implications. The British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly will meet in Malahide on Sunday. This is a plenary session that happens every six months and the most recent meeting was held in the UK. It brings MPs, Deputies, Senators and many others from Scotland and Wales together. There will be a very interesting discussion at the assembly which meets from Sunday until Tuesday. I look forward to making contributions.

One aspect of the assembly is British-Irish friendship. We are dealing with a century of Irish independence and the peace settlement in Northern Ireland. We are forgetting that we now have to consider Scotland and ensure that a deal is done to ensure it remains in the EU. The people of Scotland are reaching out because they feel left out by the UK. We must work to ensure that whatever happens will be in the interests of Ireland and countries such as Scotland.

David Cameron is gone and the head of the Labour Party is almost gone. These matters are making fifth page headlines. The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Flanagan, is visiting Northern Ireland today. I welcome the latter because we need to keep the lines of communication open during what is a very difficult and dangerous time for our country and for Europe.