Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

The largest ever nuclear disaster took place 20 years ago today in Chernobyl, Ukraine. I thank the Cathaoirleach for giving me the opportunity to recognise what the people of Ukraine and Belarus have suffered since then and will continue to suffer for generations to come. It is a good reminder when we speak about nuclear energy, in particular because the Sellafield site is adjacent to Ireland. We must empathise with and learn from what occurred at Chernobyl. In recent years, I had the honour to visit Belarus and be allowed into the exclusion zone. I saw the stark reality of the disaster's impact. I also recognise the generosity of Irish families and people who, over the past 20 years, have extended the hand of friendship to Belarussians in particular by bringing their children to Ireland for health reasons and rest periods. This is a wonderful service to the people of Belarus and the Ukraine and I hope it will continue.

The Irish people are noted for their generosity to people in need but I will compare this example to the racism we are tolerating in parts of Ireland towards individuals who have come to live here. In my area of Dublin 15, the racism and discrimination that people who have been living there for many years and whose children were born in Ireland and are Irish citizens must tolerate is a shame on all of us.