Denise Mitchell (Dublin Bay North, Sinn Fein)
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I echo the points made by Deputy Tóbín. We are all aware that a conversation on an united Ireland is taking place in villages and towns. More recently, a major conference was held in the Waterfront in Belfast where civic nationalism society came together. The conference was addressed by the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy McHugh, and the deputy Leader of Fianna Fáil, Deputy Dara Calleary, also spoke at it. I am concerned that the conversation is happening outside the walls of the Houses of the Oireachtas and believe we need to have some dialogue. It is unfortunate that the petition is written in a manner that does not allow it to move forward. However, we need to be mindful of what is happening. I do not accept that the movement is premature. It is 100 years since the inaugural meeting of the First Dáil; therefore, let us get real about the issue. I do not believe we can use the excuse that it is a sensitive subject or that it causes divisions. If that is the case, we would never have held a referendum to repeal the eighth amendment, on marriage equality and so on. We have to be mindful of the language to be used in the response as this conversation is happening across the land. People are talking about the issue. This House needs to get itself in gear on it.