Declan Breathnach (Louth, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Fitzsimmons, Ms Marshall, Ms McNamee and Ms Copeland for their excellent presentations. My background is as a primary school teacher for 35 years before I was elected to the House. I worked in a small primary school where we embraced the integration of boys and girls, first, and of disability, second. The benefit from that, in the influence on all children and adults, not least in the disability sector, spoke for itself. Like Senator Black, I wish our guests well in their nomination. As somebody who does not live too far from Loughbrickland, I did not even know of the existence of the school. I wish it and Lagan College every success.

Both presentations related to secondary school. Is there integration at primary level in the North? My philosophy is that everybody should have respect for everybody else's view of the world. Senator Black mentioned various sporting activities. There is currently a debate on whether the national anthem or otherwise should be played at rugby matches and so on. I am especially interested in whether there is integration of language. In some of my visits to the North related to this committee, we have visited all-Irish schools, which I support as a Gaeilgeoir. Is there an issue with teaching various languages or with sport? Do students get the opportunity to engage with and learn about other people's customs and - dare I say it - religion? One does not have to be religious but there may be integration on the rugby, soccer or Gaelic pitch.

I presume that the opposite of integration is segregation, of which we had too much in the past. It is not just an issue in the North but it also needs to be addressed throughout the nation in order that people will have a respectful view of the world. I am delighted that our guests made their presentations and wish them all in their future.