Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

Ireland has a heightened awareness of the needs and rights of disabled people and great credit is due to those who organised the Special Olympics, of which we all felt particularly proud to be a part. A reported incident involving the removal of nine blind people from a Ryanair flight is an important issue. We do not know all the details but it was insensitive of a pilot to ask how many blind people were on board the airplane and then ask for nine of them to be removed. They were brought humiliated into the lounge. As our legacy from the Special Olympics, we should ensure this matter is investigated to establish the facts.

We held a debate on Northern Ireland recently, in which generous recognition was given to every person who played a role in bringing about a successful conclusion to the peace process. The House owes it to the process to ensure nothing will diminish the contribution made by Fr. Alec Reid.