I take the opportunity, while debating this Bill, to highlight a serious situation for businesses whose operations straddle the Border. They are facing the prospect of being cut off from potential funding from the EU for their businesses because of the Border and because the British Government has decided to leave the EU. These are some of the most vulnerable businesses in the country. The withdrawal of the British Government from the EU means there will be a shortfall in EU funding for many businesses and other pr…

It is welcome news that An Taoiseach, Deputy Martin, is meeting with the joint First Ministers of the North, Arlene Foster and Michelle O'Neill, next week. However, at this early stage, can I invite the new Taoiseach to visit Derry and the north west to discuss how the Irish Government can assist the regeneration of a region that, as I have previously outlined, has been devastated by partition and the Border? I also invite the Taoiseach to meet with the North West Strategic Growth Partnership, a group that has been…

I want to begin by echoing some comments made by fellow Members on the extension of maternity leave and putting it on record that I fully support the campaign as well. I want to discuss an issue of serious concern to me. It should be of serious concern to all Members in this Chamber. Since the establishment of the institutions in the North, we have yet to see the convening of the North-South Ministerial Council. At a time when one would imagine co-operation between both jurisdictions should be heightened, we have n…

I thank Senator Norris for allowing me to speak. I am looking forward to working with all the Members in the term ahead. It gives me great pride and it is an honour to second the nomination of Senator Ó Donnghaile as Cathaoirleach. As the only other representative residing in the Six Counties it would be a fitting tribute, as has been pointed out by the previous speaker, to nominate someone from the Six Counties. We probably should have shared notes because he has said everything I was going to say. I have known Ni…

I am not from Kerry. Unfortunately, I have no stories to share with yourself. I did some work with you, a Chathaoirligh, in the Good Friday Agreement committee over recent times. I am not your cousin or your political cousin.

I do want to congratulate you on taking up the role today. I am deeply honoured to be standing here today, representing the people of the North. Quite a number of people have suggested that there is no representation from the North. Of course, that is not right. Two of us here live in the North. It is deeply disappointing, however, as has been said by many other Members, that we do not actually have a voice for unionism in this Chamber. That has been reflected across the political divide here today. I am from a ver…