A pleasure to meet Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh today in Leinster House who was addressing #SeanadÉireann to mark Bliain na Gaeilge #oireachtas

Speech: Link not active 

Conference: Responding to Brexit - business opportunities, trade priorities and the future of the Irish border

Delegates discussed the Irish Government’s perspective on Brexit, the second round of Brexit negotiations and the Government’s  IFS2020 strategy.  

​
Meeting with President of Republic of Slovenia National Assembly Dr.Milan Brglez, with Ambassador to UK & Ireland Mr.Tadej Rupel MSc,Deputy Anja Bah Zibert & Deputy Branko Zorman with Ceann Comhairle of Dail Eireann,Deputies and Senators.

Senator Terry Leyden was Appointed as Convenor of Friends  of Slovenia  in Oireachtas.

In addition to Committee Members, the photo includes:

Minister Helen McEntee @HMcEntee

and vising Députée Valérie Gomez-Bassac @VGB83 from the French National Assembly.

I regret  the offence  caused to Women’s rugby by my recent comments. I have been contacted by a number of people regarding the participation of Women in Rugby and realise that my point of view was ill informed.

I have been made aware of many excellent initiatives  around the country including one that was recently launched in County Roscommon, a partnership between Connaught Rugby, Creggs RFC and Roscommon County Council with the co-funding of a Club Community Rugby officer which will enhance the development of Rugby in Roscommon.  Michael Glennon, Club Community Rugby Officer is visiting schools, communities and individuals to increase the profile and impact of the game at a local level and making it accessible to all. 


The initiative has been rolled out in a number of schools including my local primary school, Fuerty N.S. where both boys and girls are getting to experience and enjoy Rugby, some are trying it out for the first time. There is a very successful and active Rugby Club nearby in Creggs.

Recently there was a Rugby Blitz on the playing pitches in the grounds of Donamon Castle with boys and girls from local primary schools playing against each other.  I want to recognise the work of volunteer coaches up and down the country that have been fostering the participation of boys and girls in sport, including in the sport of Rugby.  I realise that we need to support the participation of children and young people in all sports and activities in the interest of their health and well being.


I have also been made aware by several people of the recent decision by The IRFU to downgrade the position of Ireland Women's team head coach to a 6-month-contract on a part-time, casual basis. I fully support all players and this week, players both male and female across Ireland and the UK are wearing wristbands that read 'LEGACY', calling into question the legacy the IRFU want to leave women's rugby with, just after hosting the World Cup.

I fully support the legacy campaign.#legacy

I attended Chairperson meeting of European Affairs Committees in Tallinn, Estonia from Sunday 

The chairwomen and chairmen of the EU affairs committees of the EU’s parliaments come together to discuss current issues. The conference began on Sunday, opened by President of the Riigikogu Eiki Nestor (SDE) and Prime Minister Jüri Ratas (Center). The attending representatives got an overview of the priorities of Estonia’s first EU council presidency.

The main topics of the Plenary Meeting are the future of the EU, the role of national parliaments, the development of digital single market, the external dimension of migration, and the security issues.

Senator Terry Leyden addressed COSAC Meeting of European Union today in Malta on the topic"Outcome of the United Kingdom on Brexit Referendum -State of play. This meeting was addressed by Mr.Michel Barnier,Chief Negotiator for the Preparation and Conduct of the Negotiations with the United Kingdom and Ms.Danuta Maria Hubner,Chair of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs of the European Union.

Senator Leyden who is Vice Chairman of European Affairs Committee and Leader of Irish Delegation from Dail and Seanad to COSAC Conference in Malta from Sunday 28th.May to Tuesday 30th.May 2017.

In the course of his address Senator Leyden welcomed recent visit of Mr.Barnier to Joint Session of Dail and Seanad on 11th.May 2017 and is knowledge of the position of Ireland regarding 500 KM.border with UK and Good Friday Agreement.I also welcome views of Ms.Hubner and her awareness of the need for a see seemless border between Ireland and U.K.

Senator Leyden stated that the people of U.K.were  misled by fake news on 23rd.June 2016 when they voted for Brexit to leave the European Union now the final negotiated Agreement should also go before the United Kingdom in a Referendum to either approve or remain in European Union.

In conclusion Senator Leyden said we in Ireland and the European Affairs Joint Committee on European Affairs will closely monitor the negotiations lead by Mr.Michel Barnier on behalf of the
European Union.

End.

Issued from Malta by Senator Terry Leyden.