Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Will the Leader arrange with the Committee on Procedure and Privileges to invite Guy Verhofstadt MEP to the House? He is the Brexit negotiator for the European Parliament and is a member of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, with which Fianna Fáil is associated. Given Fianna Fáil's link with the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, we are delighted because a man of his calibre will have the right ideas where Ireland is concerned. I understand he is visiting Ireland on 21 September and it would be worthwhile and appropriate to have this important Member of the European Parliament address the Seanad, although not necessarily both Houses of the Oireachtas as was granted to Michel Barnier.

The Seanad will play an increasing role in the continuing discussions and negotiations on Brexit. The report of the committee chaired by Senator Richmond was available at the 54th annual British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly which was held in Kilkenny last Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. It was snapped up at the event. I particularly noticed that our friends from the Ulster Unionist Party and the Democratic Unionist Party were anxious to obtain copies of this excellent report. I believe it will be of great assistance in the negotiations.

Finally, I believe we should have a Brexit-type European house in Dublin. I suggest that Agriculture House be converted into a central location to focus attention on all aspects of the developing Brexit negotiations and that there be a dedicated team in that building to assist industry, agriculture and the other sectors of Irish life that will be affected post-Brexit.