Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am glad that the Chairman has arranged an opportunity for us to pay our respects to the late Nelson Mandela in the presence of the ambassador. Last week I met the ambassador and thought that would be our final meeting, but, unfortunately, the death of such an iconic figure has meant we are meeting again today. Our generation was very privileged to have witnessed the influence and positivity of such an international figure. Every year we learn of problems which can seem too much to confront, never mind overcome, but, thankfully, people of such stature as Mr. Mandela rise to these challenges. His enormous legacy will endure. President Obama referred to him as the great liberator of the 20th century.

Apartheid South Africa was a country in which there was enormous tension and which was challenged by particular difficulties. Nelson Mandela's leadership showed through and he was a constant calming influence. He was a leader with real vision and who put together the rainbow coalition which was generous and understanding of all. His achievements as President in a new political architecture were enormous. We are aware of the grave injustices under the the apartheid regime and they were well documented at the time. If modern communications technology was available between 1948 and the early 1990s, they would have been even better documented for the rest of the world.

I pay tribute to the 12 Dunnes Stores workers, 11 women and one man, and their campaign from 1984 to 1987. They took a direct stand against Nelson Mandela being condemned to hard labour in the desolation of Robben Island. They also campaigned against the injustices inflicted on so many South Africans. We should also note the Irish rugby players, many of whom were household names and revered in the world of rugby, who spurned the chance to tour South Africa with the Irish team. They showed real courage in so doing.

The ANC has shown real appreciation for the work of the Irish Anti-Apartheid Movement. Some of us were privileged to meet Kader Asmal while he taught in Trinity College Dublin and before he returned to South Africa. He was a constant and great advocate in dealing with the difficulties in South Africa. He always displayed real enthusiasm and determination in arguing that the issues had be addressed. I met him while he was at Trinity College Dublin and also in the South African Parliament when he Minister for Water Affairs and Forestry. It was a real privilege to know him and see him being able to return to his country to participate in government, having been a great advocate for the Irish Anti-Apartheid Movement.