Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Bhí tráthnóna fiúntach spéisiúil thar barr againn. Is baill den chéad scoth iad Feisire de Pharlaimint na hEorpa agus tá sé sin an-soiléir inniu. Tá siad eolasach agus díograiseach, agus táimid iontach buíoch agus bródúil as sin. There are two things clear from this debate. The first is that our engagement with the MEPs and the European Parliament is an unqualified success. That is heartening in the context not only of Seanad reform but of the European project and our links to Europe. That is important.

The second thing, and it makes me proud when I say this very genuinely, and I think I reflect the thinking of everyone in the room, is that we can be so proud of the quality of the people who are representing us in the European Parliament, and their depth of knowledge, vision and capacity for collegiality when the Irish flag needs to be flown. I am certainly very proud, as is everyone else here, with the quality of people. We are particularly grateful to them for taking the trouble and giving the time to be here and for engaging so fully. It was a wonderful debate.