Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senators for their kind reception and illuminating comments. I agree with Senator Clifford-Lee. This proposal is an easier task that I have here at the outset of my career appearing before the Seanad. I must say, however, that it could be a consequential one. If we find ourselves in a situation a number of years from now whereby an agreement is in place for a youth scheme between the EU and the UK, it would be an important development for the EU and the UK. We will have played a part in that.

I also agree with Senator Ahearn. I note the irony of the UK position. The Senator was correct to state that we have a special bond with the UK. We have a complicated history, but we certainly have a special bond. That puts us in an important position when it comes to trying to broker an agreement between the UK and the EU.

Senator Lynch was correct to identify that Ireland can be a bridge between the EU and the UK. This is an innovative method of trying to deal with the mobility barriers that have been put up. I am conscious that the discussion has centred on the understanding that the programme may operate for between one and three years, but that is to be negotiated. Perhaps after negotiations, it will be limited to a year or less. We need to be a part of the negotiations.

Senator Ryan correctly highlighted the considerable benefits for tourism and businesses that will obtain under this scheme. I though the Senator made a very good point. I am conscious of the challenges that are faced by people north of the Border. The Senator also identified a more complicated issue in respect of the challenges that migration can have for dealing with the common travel area. That is an issue that will have to be considered and reflected upon on another occasion.

I thank Senator Boyhan for his kind words. We go back a long way. One of the benefits of being in this House is that you hear different things here than you hear in Dáil Éireann. I commend the Senator for doing that extra piece of research in respect of what was being debated in the UK Parliament. In the run-up to the most recent election, the Conservative Party ran away from anything that looked like it may involve freedom of movement. The loss of the Erasmus scheme was a terrible loss to young people in the UK. The Irish Government obviously tried to put in place measures to facilitate people in the North of Ireland. I agree that we should not be doing bilateral deals. We are members of the EU and the deals should be between the EU and the UK. There should not be individual deals between EU countries and the UK. In fairness, during the Brexit negotiations, the EU countries stood by us. There was many a time when people thought we were going to be dumped and forgotten about for political convenience but that did not happen. As well as having great affection for, and bonds with, the UK, we also have great affection for, and bonds with, the EU. It stood by us at a time of considerable need.

I thank Senator McDowell for his kind words. I note what he says about the allergic reaction of some in the UK to the mention of the phrase "freedom of movement". The Senator was right to identify that young people in the UK want to be able to go abroad to other European countries. There is a great history and tradition of people from England, Scotland and Wales being able to go on to France, Italy and eastern Europe to experience the great and different cultures of those countries.

I note what the Senator said about the Commission proposal in respect of the harmonisation of the admissibility of evidence in criminal proceedings that was mentioned at the meeting in Warsaw. I spoke against the proposal. It is only a proposal and there is nothing definitive yet. The Senator will be glad to hear that immediately after I spoke, the German Minister agreed with what I said. A series of other countries are now writing to express their opposition to what would be an unnecessary intervention by the EU in an area that will not be improved by harmonisation.

I hope my first appearance before the Seanad has been okay. I again congratulate the Leas-Chathaoirleach on her election. It has been a pleasure to be here. I know I will be back in the Seanad again but probably not at a time when there is the level of agreement among the House that there has been today. No matter how contentious things get, I want Members to know that I will always listen to this House, as I will to the Lower House. It is only through listening to people who have been elected that we can call ourselves a functioning democratic society. We need to take into account the views of all people who are elected to both Houses. I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach.