Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

Last week the House debated an issue on which all sides came together and agreed a common motion. It was an interesting exercise. During the course of the debate I referred to the issue of sectarianism in Northern Ireland. Since then there has been a number of reports, not least the one in the newspapers with regard to the blessing of a graveyard in north Antrim where there have been threats to dig up bodies. That is unacceptable. I ask the Leader, with her colleague leaders in the other parties, to bring forward a composite motion on the issue of sectarianism and leadership there to ensure the matter is tackled. I am glad some of the Unionists have spoken out against that issue. It has implications for the peace process and leads to severe polarisation of communities. It is essential that the House be heard with one voice on such an important issue which is happening only 100 miles from here.