Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

In recent days we heard of the momentous decision of the Irish Christian Brothers to withdraw from education and to hand their schools over to a trust for the future. This is after 200 years of dedicated service to the Irish nation providing Irish education for Irish children at a time when that was not available, particularly for those who could not afford it. They gave us a sense of self-esteem at a time when the country needed it, they prepared us for careers and made it possible for us to build up the new State.

Most of the staff of the early Civil Service were educated by the Irish Christian Brothers. They were central to the promotion of Irish games and culture. Nobody could express fully the gratitude and appreciation we owe to the Christian Brothers. I raise this issue because I hope the State will not allow this period to pass without acknowledging what has happened appropriately and generously. Future generations and history will not thank us if we do not avail of this opportunity to show our gratitude for how the Christian Brothers helped us to get up from our knees and bring us to our current position.