Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome this morning's announcement that Pope Francis is to visit Dublin for two days at the end of August on the occasion of the world meeting of families. I am disappointed, however, that there seems to be no indication that the Pope will visit the North of Ireland.That would be regrettable if it is the case.

My main reason for raising this issue is to ask the Leader if he would indicate whether there is any proposal to invite Pope Francis to address both Houses of the Oireachtas. This is a proposal that has been made in the past by Senator Norris and there was general acceptance and agreement that that should be the case. It would be appropriate that the Pope, as the leader of hundreds of millions of Catholics throughout the world and head of the Vatican State, should be invited to address a meeting of both Houses. I ask the Leader to indicate whether that is being considered. If not, I propose that it should be considered and ask what process must we engage in to ensure that it happens.

On Senator Feighan's comments regarding Brexit, it is time that the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade came back to the House to give us an update on the situation pertaining to Brexit, which is changing on a day-to-day, week-to-week and month-to-month basis. In recent weeks, we have heard indications from certain elements of the Conservative Government that perhaps a solution to the Border difficulties would be that people from the Republic of Ireland who intended to travel to the Six Counties would register their intention to do so. As somebody who comes from a Border community, who was born and reared in that community and who saw at first hand the detrimental effect it had on that region, both economically and personally, I want to put it on the record of this House that I and the community from which I come have no intention of registering our intent to visit another part of our country. I call on the Tánaiste to come before the House to provide an update on Brexit, especially as it pertains to the Border region.

Finally, I welcome those from St. Mogue's college in Bawnboy, County Cavan, who are visiting both Houses this afternoon.