I congratulate the Leas-Chathaoirleach on her appointment. It is well deserved and I look forward to working with her in the term ahead. I also welcome the Minister to the Chamber. I wish to fully support this motion seeking to open negotiations for an EU-UK agreement on a youth experience scheme. While Brexit has done untold damage to the future of young people across the UK, this proposed scheme is a crucial opportunity to strengthen the ties between young people in Europe and the UK, creating new pathways for cu…

I start by congratulating the Cathaoirleach on his election to his position. I also congratulate my party colleague Senator Seán Kyne on his election as Leader of the Seanad. It is an honour for me to be here as an elected Senator. I have been involved in politics for many years now at a party level and a local level. Contesting the Seanad election and meeting the wonderful councillors we have all around the country was quite the experience. I am really delighted to be here. I thank all those who supported me, part…