Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

As most people confine themselves to their homes or least to their home areas, major issues are unfolding across our world. The murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, which was seen by all of us, seen by the world, opened up yet again the unresolved cancer of racism. I think we have all run out of words to express our dismay at the reaction of the US President to these events but we must find new words. We must also look to ourselves, our own nation and the inherent racism that exists here. I am not making equivalence but we cannot with a clear conscience criticise others if we do not resolve problems here, including the unresolved issue of direct provision. I believe we as a Parliament and as a people must be heard crystal clear on this issue. The obscene assault on peaceful protesters and the hijacking of symbols of religion for a photo-op demand that we respond to it. The Tánaiste said he does not have a scheduled conversation with the US ambassador, Edward Crawford. Will he schedule one?

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