Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for the opportunity to contribute on this important motion on the historic Good Friday Agreement. I commend Sinn Féin on arranging this topical and urgent debate. This issue and the division of our country should never be allowed to slip from the political agenda. We all have a duty to ensure that the peace process does not remain still and to bring the people of this island together.

At Arbour Hill on Sunday of last week, I had the honour and privilege of being the guest speaker at the 1916-21 Club. I felt humbled to be asked. It was great to follow in the tradition of Tone, Connolly and Pearse. The great men and women of the 1916-21 period should never be forgotten. There must always be time to reflect on their ideals and actions as well as on our country's future.

The 1916-21 Club was founded in the 1940s. Its motivation was to heal to divisions created by the Civil War. Protagonists from both sides were invited to join. The Association of the Old Dublin Brigade Óglaigh na hÉireann was open to surviving members of the War of Independence. The club incorporated the association in the early 1980s as its membership declined. I refer to the club because its objectives are to honour and remember the dead who fought for Irish freedom and for everyone working towards its achievement.

The second objective is to cultivate in our time a spirit of nationality and unity that marked the 1916 to 1921 period and to contribute to the cause of an Ireland - united, independent and sovereign. Another objective is to work for the reconciliation of all Irish people in the context of a united nation, in the belief that it is only such a united people who can effect a lasting and real peace with the British. A further objective is to promote Irish tradition and cultures. Those are their objectives and everyone, including those who speak in tonight's debate, has a role to play - Catholic, Protestant, Jew, Muslim, Hindu, all other religions and none. As an Independent Deputy, I fit clearly into the dissenting tradition. Tone called for unity between Catholic, Protestant and dissenter. Sadly, we do not see enough of it in this current Dáil. Many Members of the Dáil have turned their backs on that great tradition but those of us present should pledge our allegiance to the ideals of 1916 which are about equality, justice and love of country, particularly in these difficult times. I am also in favour of standing with the weaker sections of society, for example, the 400,000 unemployed, the disabled and the dispossessed. The objectives are about supporting the men and women of no property. How relevant all of that is to society today.

I call on the Government to ensure the commitments in the agreements are implemented by both Governments. The Government must renew the substantive engagement with the British Government to progress the outstanding issues, including the establishment of the bill of rights and an all-Ireland charter of rights, in addition to other legislative commitments. I also call on the Government to ensure the realisation of the promised peace dividend and financial package agreed at St. Andrews, which the current British Government has failed to deliver.

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