Michael Collins (Cork South-West, Independent Ireland Party)

I thank Sinn Féin for bringing this motion on Irish unity before us. I am not afraid of unity. The Independent Ireland party is not afraid of unity. However, I speak with both caution and conviction on this motion. The question of Irish unity is not just a constitutional matter; it is a deeply personal and emotional issue for many across this island. It deserves thoughtful, inclusive and respectful engagement.

While I welcome the spirit of planning and dialogue proposed in this motion, I must also raise concerns. We cannot afford to rush into structures or referendums without first ensuring that every community, North and South, nationalist and unionist, rural and urban, is genuinely heard and represented. This does not mean, however, that moves, both North and South, towards unity can go without discussion by our leaders. To date, not enough has been done here to kick-start a process that could be sometimes difficult but meaningful in discussions. The establishment of a dedicated Oireachtas committee is a constructive step, but this must be balanced with a commitment to transparency and neutrality. Planning for unity must not become a political campaign; it must be a national conversation. Furthermore, a committee made up of politicians from the North and the South must be set up to discuss this issue. They must be respectful of views from all sides. I also urge the Government to ensure that cross-Border projects like the A5 road are not politicised but prioritised for their economic and social value. Infrastructure should unite us in practice, not just in principle. We must also look towards areas towards areas that have unified us already. This is in the area of sport where the GAA and rugby teams have successfully played together in peace and harmony. Only last week, Independent Ireland called for a united Ireland, North and South, soccer team, and why not? If we are to have unity, let us start with sport as something people can celebrate as one, going forward, in peace and harmony.

I also extend a warm welcome to the new British ambassador to Ireland, Ms Kara Owen, who took up her role and seal of office last week, with our President. Ms Owen has been praised for her efforts to engage with Irish culture, including speaking Irish fluently during her credentials ceremony at Áras an Uachtaráin. She will play a vital role in building strong relations between North and South in the months and years ahead. I look forward to meeting her and engaging with her on behalf of the people of this Irish Republic.

Independent Ireland has been building relations with Northern Ireland in the last number of years in the area of health delivery. Thousands of people going blind or in terrible pain seeking surgery are being treated by Kingsbridge Private Hospital in Belfast. Never once has someone's address meant they could not get care in that hospital in Northern Ireland, where the patient comes first. The reason I raise this is that this can happen both North and South on so many levels because the cross-Border scheme works on both sides. I express a huge thanks to the CEO of Kingsbridge Private Hospital, Belfast, Mark Regan, and all the hospital's staff.

I call on all parties to approach this issue with humility. Unity cannot be imposed. It must be built on trust, respect and shared purpose. We cannot in any way return to the horrible bloodshed that almost destroyed this island, but certainly destroyed many lives on both sides of the Troubles over many years. As a country, we can show to the world what peace means and what it can deliver. Let us take this a step further together.

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