Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I want to express my thanks to her for coming to join us on many occasions. We always loved her company and look forward to seeing her again in the village of Castlecoote as the year goes on. I also wish her well in her ministry. I think she is doing a splendid job and a great body of work. She is a very good spokesperson and Minister of State and she has created a very good image in the European Union. I know she has visited many capitals and countries and is now familiar with the work.It is a very busy Ministry because of Brexit and it is very important we maintain very strong relationships with the other 27 countries who will continue in the European Union.

Ireland joined the EEC in 1973 and Fianna Fáil played a very proud role in our membership, going back to Seán Lemass and Eamon de Valera, who was President of the League of Nations. We have all seen our role within Europe and have been very strong and consistent on it. When we campaigned for European membership my recollection is that one party, Sinn Féin, opposed it. Perhaps the Sinn Féin Senator will confirm that, and the grounds for doing so.