Frank Feighan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Taoiseach's visit to France yesterday and the improving relationship between Ireland and France as a result of Brexit. We must examine all opportunities arising from Brexit. The Taoiseach stated he is seeking associated membership for Ireland of La Francophonie, a group of French-speaking countries similar to the Commonwealth. La Francophonie is a global organisation that deals with culture, science, economy, justice and peace. Ireland is taking its place among the nations of the world, and by increasing our footprint in foreign affairs and doubling the number of Irish embassy staff, we are moving in a different world. I say this because Brexit brings major opportunities and threats and we must work more closely with the United Kingdom. We must also establish more links with Commonwealth countries also and we should not be afraid to do so through justice, science and peace building. We have a shared history and it is incumbent on us to examine all these opportunities.

Not enough is being done by Senators and Deputies to forge relationships with members of the diaspora in Westminster who form an Irish caucus, as it were, and show great goodwill towards the island of Ireland. Between 12 and 15 Senators and Deputies will travel to Westminster on Monday, 6 November, to meet the leaders of all the political groups in the UK, including the British Foreign Secretary, Mr. Boris Johnson. The group will be hosted by Tourism Ireland and other Irish organisations. We must do much more of this type of work because we have neglected the relationship with the United Kingdom. The Good Friday Agreement will be 20 years old next year and we should be brave and mature enough to start working on this relationship. We need to do more to bring together Members of the Oireachtas and members of the diaspora in the House of Commons.

I welcome the Taoiseach's decision to ask for associate membership of La Francophonie. It is a good idea. We should not be afraid to examine the possibility of forging new associations with Commonwealth countries such as Australia and Canada, which is also a member of La Francophonie.