Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

I join with Senator Brian Hayes in welcoming the agreement by all Members on the motion to be taken without debate regarding the Shot at Dawn Campaign. It is a worthy motion and the alacrity with which it was agreed by all sides is to be commended. I thank Senator Brian Hayes for his gracious reference to my question on that matter before the British-Irish Interparliamentary Body. He too has a question and I hope we will reflect the pain of the families of those who were shot at dawn. It is significant that this motion is before the House in a week when, for the first time, the Irish tricolour flew alongside the union jack in Derry in a shared ceremony of remembrance. It included relatives of the youngest soldier to be killed in action, Private John Condon, from Waterford. It was a very emotional experience for them.

This opens the wider debate on Northern Ireland, which I support. It opens an important dimension in the improving relations between Britain and Ireland, the two communities in Northern Ireland and the two communities north and south of the Border. It is a significant event which is to be welcomed and encouraged. I ask the Leader that this House consider having one minute's silence each year on Armistice Day in the context of the warmer and closer relations and the breaking down of prejudices between the communities and to recognise the high casualty rate and the pain suffered during the First World War.