Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan and Senators David Norris and Jim Walsh send their apologies. Unfortunately, they are unable to be with us today.

In view of the fact that the proceedings are being carried live, I remind members, delegates and those in the Visitors Gallery to ensure their mobile phones are switched off completely for the duration of the meeting as they cause interference, even in silent mode, with the recording equipment in the committee rooms. Each week we receive complaints from the recording staff that the audio will not be clear if a mobile phone rings. I would appreciate it if everyone respected this instruction.

The item on today's agenda was unexpected - to express sympathy on the death of the former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela. On behalf of the joint committee, I welcome the South African ambassador to Ireland, Mr. Jeremiah Dingaan Ndou. I am aware that the ambassador's term in Dublin will expire shortly and that this will be one of his final public events in the Oireachtas. As we bid farewell to Nelson Mandela, we also bid farewell to him and wish him well in his new position in Pretoria. I thank him for being with us for the past few years.

Nelson Mandela was blessed with a long life. He spent 27 long years incarcerated in a South African prison, but he achieved much as a civil rights activist and an anti-apartheid campaigner. He has left a legacy of inspiration to the people of South Africa and the civil rights movement throughout the world. He visited Ireland in July 1990 when he addressed the Dáil. He became the first black President of South Africa in 1994 and his success in unifying the nation won him international acclaim. He was also an advocate of conflict resolution. He believed very much in diplomacy and reconciliation and became an inspiration for all those striving for peace throughout the world. Rebuilding South Africa was a key priority for him during his presidency and afterwards.

Nelson Mandela recognised the healing power of sport and the very important role it would play in unifying his people and restoring his country's international reputation, having been ostracised from participation in international sports during the apartheid era. Most people remember his gesture of reconciliation when he donned the green Springboks jersey and baseball cap. I will always remember seeing the picture of him presenting the Rugby World Cup to François Pienaar in 1995. I also remember seeing him in Dublin during the Special Olympic Games in 2003. I will always remember the roar of the crowd when he appeared with the Special Olympians. It was only fitting that he made his final public appearance at the FIFA World Cup final in 2010. Sport was extremely important to him. He was a legend and will always be remembered. There will never again be anybody like him.