Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I support and wholeheartedly endorse Senator Diarmuid Wilson's proposal as regards Pope Francis. We have a fine tradition in this country of inviting visiting Heads of State to address these Houses. As he is the Head of the Vatican State, which we have long recognised, it would be appropriate that he be invited to address the joint Houses of the Oireachtas. I join with Senator Wilson in asking the Leader to make the necessary inquiries as to how this could be set in train.

I also support what the Senator has said about Brexit. I do not think any of us would want to be getting involved in any paperwork and that we would frankly refuse to do so. I think it is accepted by both sides, anyway, and indeed by the EU, that this will not happen. Hopefully they will facilitate an all-encompassing trade agreement involving the entire EU and the UK. They will not enter a customs union but they may call it something else, a customs partnership or whatever, and that would satisfy the matter, please God. Some of us are going to spend Monday and Tuesday of next week in the so-called palace of Westminster, meeting committees of the Commons and the Lords. We will be delighted to give the House an update when we return on Wednesday or Thursday.