Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte is fiche roimh ár MEPs ó Pharlaimint na hEorpa. Tá sárobair déanta ag an dtriúr acu. Tá sé an-tábhachtach go mbeadh deis againn labhairt leo anseo sa Seanad faoi chúrsaí polaitíochta na hEorpa agus faoi chúrsaí in Éirinn.I welcome our three MEPs and compliment them all, as well as their colleagues for their great work rate and performance. They have a very difficult job. It is hard, time-consuming and there is much travelling. Many people might think it is a great job but I do not envy them. I welcome having the chance to chat to them.

I am 15 years in the Seanad and have noticed in that time a much greater awareness and connection between the Oireachtas and the European Parliament. There are probably a number of reasons for that, including the growing importance of Europe in all our lives, the Brexit controversy that has made us all focus and there are also the recent unfortunate events in Ukraine. The MEPs have a part to play in that too and they have been reaching out to people and communities. I am aware they are going around meeting people and getting involved in local issues. Am I okay for time, a Leas-Chathaoirligh?