Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I hope the Taoiseach discussed the prospects of Irish unity at the recent European Council meeting. Even Fine Gael has finally recognised that Irish unity needs to be on the agenda. At its recent Ard-Fheis, the Tánaiste announced his support for a united Ireland. We are keen to help kick-start the conversation on Irish unity. Recently in Cork, the rebel county, a clear message was sent when the R&H Hall building was lit up to let everyone know Cork was ready to have such a conversation. This must be a conversation that includes everyone. As Bobby Sands once said, all republicans or otherwise have their own part to play. The unprecedented opportunity to unite people on this island from all backgrounds cannot be overlooked. Alongside this are various economic benefits of a united Ireland, such as co-ordinated economic development resulting in more employment and EU membership for the whole island. Nelson Mandela once stood in the Dáil Chamber and said "Together we will win." Never has this been more true. It is time to start the conversation and to speak and listen to people across the island from young to old. We are ready to listen and talk about Irish unity. Ní neart go cur le chéile.

I want to take this opportunity to raise a particular issue. In the Taoiseach's report, he discussed the Covid-19 crisis. In the scale of things, the following might not be a big issue but I have been contacted by many people last night and today who are very upset. They are the parents of children, and they are very angry and frustrated about how the cancellation of confirmations and communions was communicated. An off-the-cuff remark by the Tánaiste at the end of a press conference is not good enough. People have spent the year calling for clarity and clear communication. When announcements such as that made yesterday are being made it is important these communications are made clearly and correctly in order that we do not have people not knowing what is happening. Events have been organised for schools in Cork on Monday and Tuesday and parents have contacted me, as have parish priests. They are going ahead and no one has given them clarity. It is unfair and disrespectful to people who are following all the public health guidelines and the Government's timeline. There needs to be clarity on this.

With regard to LGBTQI and equality, what Hungary has done over the years, and what it has been allowed to get away with it, completely goes against everything the European Union and we stand for. I am glad to see people are finally standing up but this type of behaviour cannot be acceptable in a European Union, which should be equal to all.

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