Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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I agree with Deputy O'Sullivan about the festering sore that is the cases of individuals who have ended up in prison, which is undermining the positive work carried out in many communities in this regard. It indicates significant matters are outstanding and need to be addressed in the area of reconciliation and anti-sectarian funding. We had another snapshot of this earlier this year to remind us that these difficulties remain. Many awkward discussions, as described by my party colleagues, are going on in many communities and they need to be encouraged and built on as they involved people who were involved in the past in the conflict. They are trying to create a new beginning following the hurt imposed on many individuals. The sectarian footprint is still bubbling away under the surface and the committee can send a positive message that we need to continue the peace building and support of community relations. All of us are worried about cutbacks to the funding, particularly for the positive inter-community work which is being carried on quietly. Senator McAleese is doing significant work with people from a loyalist background. We need to support and encourage this and it would send the wrong message if we cut funds in this area.