Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I echo the Cathaoirleach's views and Senator Craughwell's with regard to Óglaigh na hÉireann and the Cathaoirleach's commendation of them. Similarly, I share the frustration of Senator Higgins, especially in the way in which the Executive has been treating the Legislature. I would ask, on behalf of all sides, that the Leas-Cheannaire would bring that back.

There have been significant changes happening at the embassies of our two nearest neighbours. At the British Embassy, the ambassador, H.E. Mr. Robin Barnett, is being replaced by H.E. Mr. Paul Johnston, and at the French Embassy, the ambassador, H.E. Mr. Stéphane Crouzat, is being replaced by H.E. Mr. Vincent Guérend. I say to those who have served, "Merci, thank you, go raibh maith agat", and to those who are arriving, "Fáilte,bienvenue, welcome." Our relationship with both countries, particularly in a post-Brexit context, will change. As we did in the context of the discussion on the withdrawal agreement, we need to look at how we can develop our relationship with Britain in a post-Brexit environment.I specifically mentioned the areas of higher education and research and the work done by the British Irish Chamber of Commerce has done. We also need a strategy for our relationship with France, which will be our nearest neighbour in the EU, which deals with direct shipping routes but also cultural and education links. I hope the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade will address that.

I thank the Minister and European leaders for the strong stance they have been taking on the Lukashenko regime in Belarus, a murderous regime which is continuing to abuse human rights. It is right that the European Union takes strong action. The implementation of the Magnitsky Act, which provides for the freezing of assets, is really important. This House should start to call out some of those on the hard left, in particular some of our hard left MEPs, for endorsing the Lukashenko regime. The values that he and his goons espouse are not acceptable to this House. I commend the Minister on making those views known.