Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Tá áthas orm labhairt ar an topaic seo. Tá sé fíorthábhachtach. The New Decade, New Approach agreement was brokered to help restore confidence in devolved government at Stormont. It was a welcome move, as it underlined the necessity for all sides to work as constructively as possible in order for the people of the North to have some kind of stability, which they richly deserved. Perhaps we could do something similar in the South.

On a more serious note, the issues under discussion – stability, good governance and so on – do not exist in a political vacuum. They are taking place in the context of a renewed focus on the shared nature of our island and the need to speak proudly, but with respect, to the varied political and historical loyalties that exist on it. That is why I recently submitted a parliamentary question to the Taoiseach asking for an update on his Department's shared island unit.

As part of his reply, the Taoiseach confirmed that €500 million will be made available until 2025, ring-fenced for shared island projects and multiannual capital funding for investment on a strategic basis in collaborative North-South projects that will support the commitments and objectives of the Good Friday Agreement. I am happy to see that Border counties and others will benefit from this proposal.

Maidir leis an Ghaeilge, ba chóir go gcuirfí reachtaíocht a bhaineann leis an teanga, cearta daonna, cearta teanga Gaeilgeoirí agus Acht na Gaeilge i bhfeidhm gan moill. Rinne eagraíochtaí mar Chonradh na Gaeilge sárobair agus bhí feachtas láidir acu ach tá níos mó ag teastáil anois. Ba chóir go mbeadh an Ghaeilge agus na cearta atá ag daoine sna Sé Chontae maidir leis an Ghaeilge cosanta ó thaobh an Achta agus an reachtaíocht de. Tá súil agam go dtarlóidh sé sin.

It is true that tensions are very high in the North. There are serious and widening levels of disagreement around Article 16 and the Northern Ireland protocol. It is critical, therefore, that our rhetoric on these and other matters is not deliberately inflammatory or divisive. In that regard, I welcome all measures that aim to create light rather than heat and mutual respect for all traditions on our island.

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