Frank Feighan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

My colleague, Senator Marshall, summed it up yesterday when he stated that there are 29 days to Brexit and called for cool heads. I agree with him. These are interesting but difficult times. The acceptance of the amendment tabled by Ms Yvette Cooper, MP, in the House of Commons yesterday will ensure that a no-deal may not happen but there is still a long way to go. The British Labour Party has indicated it will support a second referendum. The German Chancellor, Ms Angela Merkel, commented that if Britain needs more time, it will be given more time. The coming 29 days will be very serious and interesting and I hope it works out.

Last Thursday, I was invited to the National Museum of Ireland to celebrate St. David's Day. We were very fortunate to have the attendance of Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas, the Welsh Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, and the Minister of State, Deputy Kyne. What is more significant is that many organisations and institutions are preparing for the situation post Brexit. The event was attended by Mr. David Anderson, the director general of National Museum Wales, and Ms Catherine Heaney, the chair of the board of the National Museum of Ireland. A deal or memorandum of understanding has been reached to increase cultural ties with National Museum Wales. The Welsh are our nearest neighbours. Sometimes, we have overlooked Wales in favour of England or Scotland. I very much welcome that initiative by the National Museum of Ireland and National Museum Wales. It will strengthen the ties between the near neighbours, Ireland and Wales, and should be complimented and acknowledged here in the Seanad.