THE European Union's chief negotiator Michel Barnier found himself in illustrious company when he addressed the Dáil and Seanad yesterday.
Being invited to speak to the Oireachtas is a privilege usually only afforded to heads of state, prime ministers and high profile dignitaries.
The list of those who have made speeches includes John F Kennedy, Tony Blair, Bill Clinton and Nelson Mandela, but not Theresa May who earlier this year declined the opportunity to become only the second British prime minister to address the Dáil, which perhaps says something about her priorities as we head into the Brexit process.
Mr Barnier was absolutely clear in terms of his and the EU's priorities when he made his landmark address to Irish parliamentarians in Dublin.
He told them: ``I want to reassure the Irish people: in this negotiation Ireland's interest will be the union's interest.''
This is a statement which reinforces the fact that Ireland has now moved centre stage in terms of Europe's position in the Brexit negotiations.
The EU has said there are three priorities before talks can begin - the rights of citizens, the financial settlement from Britain and the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic.
Mr Barnier insisted that sufficient progress must be made on these key points before discussions can begin on the future relationship with the UK.
In his speech he said the EU would work to avoid a hard border but he did say that customs controls are part of Europe's border management and protect the single market.
Mr Barnier will spend time on his trip meeting farmers and others who work in the border area which will at least give him some idea of the likely impact of any controls.
In recent weeks we have undoubtedly seen something of a shift in terms of the Irish position in Europe and a recognition that there are important issues that need to be given due weight in the Brexit process.
The EU has grasped this message - it remains to be seen if the British government manages to do the same.
