Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Go raibh maith agat, a Chathaoirligh, agus ba mhaith liom féin cur leis na focla atá ráite faoi mo chara Trevor Ó Clochartaigh go dtí an pointe seo. Tá mé ag dul chun beannachtaí a fhágail leat ach níl mé ag dul chun slán a fhágáil leat ag an phointe seo. Mar a dúirt roinnt mhaith de na seanadóirí beidh agus tá ról thar a bheith tábhachtach agat i saol na Gaeilge, saol na tíre agus is ceart agus is cóir go bhfuil tú ag filleadh ar ais siar go Conn na Mara le bheith ag glacadh suas an ról tábhachtach a bheidh agat le TG4. Is cinéal match-up thar a bheith ceart é an post seo duitse. Cosúil le TG4 tá dearcadh náisiúnta agat. Tchínn tú an tír ina iomlán. Tá meas agus grá agat don tír ina iomlán agus beidh tú ag obair ar son leasú an tír ina iomlán. Guím gach rath ort a chara agus tá a fhios agam go mbeimíd i dteagmháil as seo amach.

I acknowledge the meeting last night between the Taoiseach and a representative group from civic nationalism in the North who had written to him recently. It is important that the meeting has taken place, not just because of the announcements made today on the legal text of Brexit but also because of the political fallout within the Six Counties. As the saying goes, it is good to talk and the more, the better as it will be mutually beneficial for the Taoiseach and the group that met him which involves eminent people. I have referred to the fact that the legal text of Brexit has been issued today and there is a lot in it which we need to absorb and on which we need to reflect to ensure that as we move forward the Good Friday Agreement will remains Ireland's Northern Star in choppy waters. The Government has certainly been working on the issue. Having regard to the break in business, I ask the Leader to allow for statements on Brexit if the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Simon Coveney, or another Minister is available. I am aware that Ministers will soon be heading off to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, which is fair enough, but given the significance and importance of this issue, we need a slot to enable Members to be updated and have an opportunity to ask questions on the broader important issues surrounding the Good Friday Agreement and how it falls within the context of Brexit.