Frank Feighan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

-----or, sorry, François Hollande has been here for three hours. Other member states must listen to Ireland's sensitivities regarding Northern Ireland, the free travel area and the common ties with the UK. I agree with Senator Ned O'Sullivan that the UK has made this decision and we have to look out for ourselves now. I suggest we should get much closer to countries like France because they will be our allies in the EU.

I think we should highlight another issue because it is good news. The Taoiseach's visit to the north inner city yesterday was heralded by one and all. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan, for whom I have great time, said it was "very obvious" that the Taoiseach was listening to the views of these communities. Politics is about breaking down barriers. I very much welcome the efforts of the Taoiseach and the various Departments to resolve the serious issues in these communities. We should deal with such issues by going into the communities, listening and doing the work. We do not hear this enough. I was very heartened to hear that an independently minded Deputy was brave enough and good enough to highlight these efforts. I welcome that.