Last weekend I noted with great interest the celebrations to mark what would have been the 125th birthday of John A. Costello. As Senators will know, he was leader of Fine Gael, a Taoiseach and also in 1949 declared Ireland a republic. Up until that time, it was an active member of the Commonwealth. Relations are now at an all-time high with the Commonwealth that has a population of 2.2 billion and comprises 53 countries, of which 33 are republics. Since 1971 the Queen has had only a titular role in the Commonwealth. As there is support for world peace, liberty, human rights, equality and free trade, it would be a good time to have a debate on whether the Republic of Ireland should consider rejoining the Commonwealth. Many members of the Irish diaspora live in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and New Zealand; we should not, therefore, fear rejoining.

I did not see that mentioned in the Fine Gael manifesto.

This is a mature republic. We must seek a debate to discuss the economy and the fact that there are 2.2 billion people in the Commonwealth. It is time we took our place again within it. The Republic of Ireland should consider the matter.

We will see how Brexit goes first.