Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As the Cathaoirleach stated, this is an important and historic occasion for both of our nations and the House. The First Minister's predecessor, Edward the Bruce, came to Ireland almost exactly 700 years ago and was acclaimed as the last High King of Ireland by our Irish chieftains. There was a sorry outcome to that because, unfortunately, he lost his head - literally - approximately a year later. I do not anticipate that anything like that will happen to the First Minister. She will have a sense of the level of appreciation for her visit to Ireland and the warmth towards her, her beliefs and what she stands for is palpable.

Scotland and Ireland have native Gaelic languages, both of which are struggling to survive. I would welcome whatever thoughts the First Minister might have on how we might work best together to preserve these old languages.