Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)

I wish to share time with Deputies Howlin and Kehoe whom I know share my concern regarding the matter I raise. I am happy they should have an opportunity to express their concerns.

I raise the kidnapping of Father Michael Sinnott who is from Barntown near Clonard, an area I know well for many different reasons. It is a fundamental fact that the kidnapping of an Irish citizen who has worked abroad in such a distinguished way for nearly five decades, as Father Sinnott has done, is something that affects all of us. Father Sinnott's Columban community has expressed its concern but I wanted us, as a Parliament, to join the Columbans in saying we wish to convey to the Filipino community and the breakaway group in Mindanao that we are affected. Everyone in Ireland is affected by the kidnapping of Father Sinnott, a man aged 80, who has very special medical needs. His community has appealed to those who may be holding him to deal immediately with the authorities and negotiate so that his medical needs can be met.

That this is not a party political matter is important, as we all share a concern. Ambassador Richard O'Brien has flown to the Philippines and is in touch with those who are seeking to discover Fr. Sinnott's whereabouts. This is a difficult time for his family and companions in the Columban order. I know a number of individuals in the order. They are distinguished as people who have entered problematic areas, be they in Peru or the Philippines. What is interesting is that Fr. Sinnott is one of those who sought to transcend cultural, ethnic and religious differences, being as he was part of the inter-faith dialogue. In addition, some in the Islamic community have issued statements to the effect that they are appalled by his kidnapping in so far as he had assisted some of the weakest people. In 1998 he founded a school for children with intellectual disabilities. He is regularly photographed among the community and has enjoyed the support and love of people of different religious beliefs.

I raise this matter only to send messages, however they might be delivered, abroad and at home. One message is to the Columban community and Fr. Sinnott's family to the effect that we are in solidarity with them. The other is to those who are encountering Fr. Sinnott in his work abroad. Anything visited upon him is visited upon everyone in Ireland. For this reason, the Parliament wants to send a message to people who may never get to hear it, namely, that we want him released and to have immediate access to the medical support he requires.

See this speech in context