Catherine Ardagh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I had intended to share time with Senator Clifford-Lee, so I will speak for no longer than three minutes.

I am very pleased to welcome Ms Sturgeon to the Seanad on behalf of Fianna Fáil. Her election as leader of the Scottish National Party and assuming the office of First Minister in November 2014 marks the first occasion a woman was elected to either of those posts. It was obviously a tremendously proud time for her, her family and her many supporters, in particular mná na hAlban, the women of Scotland.

I had the great pleasure of meeting Ms Sturgeon yesterday during a discussion in Leinster House with other female elected representatives organised by the Women for Election group. Her talks yesterday and today were inspiring and she is a role model for many women who have been elected and for those women who are unelected but are contemplating running for office.

Her commitment to equality and social justice is admirable and her courage in sticking to her beliefs when it comes to gender equality in her Cabinet, in particular, is unquestionable - she leaves us in the dust when it comes to equality in Cabinet. The day after her election as First Minister, she unveiled her first Cabinet with a 50-50 gender balance. Without a doubt, it was a very brave decision. By comparison, under 27% of our Cabinet is female.

Ireland has always had a great affinity with Scotland, most likely because of our shared and common history and the independence our countries sought and fought for. I admired Ms Sturgeon's determination for independence in the 2014 referendum and her continuing passion for independence. While it was not to be her day in 2014, Scotland's day will come and I know she will succeed in the future.

At a time of great uncertainty within Europe, I also know we share many common values and aspirations with the Scottish people. This uncertainty, which has stemmed from Brexit, is deeply worrying to Scotland and Ireland. The turbulence we are experiencing should lead to both countries forging even stronger links, and moving together and working to achieve our common goals. The strength Ms Sturgeon showed in the immediate aftermath of the Brexit referendum demonstrated to all that she is a formidable and able politician and one not to be reckoned with.

The people of Scotland clearly have confidence in her and know she will take the necessary measures to do what is in their best interests. I hope, following on from her visit to Dublin, she will return to Scotland more confident and assured of her relationship with Ireland, and knowing she has a strong ally across the water and that our co-operation, support and friendship will grow stronger in the future.

It is a tremendous personal pleasure to address Ms Sturgeon today and I wish her the very best of luck in the weeks and months ahead.