All-island response to Brexit
The Leader supports creating an all-island post-Brexit roadmap and working through the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly to protect Ireland’s interests.
I reiterate that the Minister for Social Protection is to come before the House and this matter can form part of the discussion with him. Let us have a balanced and fair discussion.
Senator Frank Feighan referred to the all-Ireland forum, while Senator Terry Leyden referred to the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly which is meeting today. The Taoiseach is right that we need an all-Ireland forum, post-Brexit, to ensure that, as an island nation, we will have a roadmap and a plan to protect our interests. We can work with the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly, at which I spoke today, the Northern Ireland Assembly and the North-South Ministerial Council to ensure this happens. Senator Robbie Gallagher also referred to Brexit in the context of education. This is something we might consider again after the summer recess.
Senator Tim Lombard referred to tourism. I will be happy to invite the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Shane Ross, to come to the House to discuss the issue.
Senator Colm Burke referred to Console and the impact of what had happened there. In replying to a Commencement matter the Tánaiste addressed the issue of the enforcement of regulations under the Charities Act. I hope we will be able to debate the matter before the summer recess.
Senator Keith Swanick discussed organ donations, an important issue which is close to my heart. In the previous Dáil I was Chairman of the Joint Committee on Health and Children which produced a fine report on organ donation. We must keep the issue to the forefront and change how people opt out of donating organs. We can support the work of Professor Jim Egan and his staff. He is a tremendous person and has done a significant amount of work on the issue, as has the former surgeon, Mr. David Hickey. I will be happy to work with Senator Keith Swanick in pursuing the issue in the House.
I am not sure what Senator David Norris raised in his very fine contribution.
Comment on this
I will be happy to talk to the Senator-----