Rónán Mullen (Independent)

I echo the remarks of Senator Lábhrás Ó Murchú. It is fantastic news that Fr. Sinnott has been released. As Senator Ó Murchú said, the heroic example shown by people like that should never be forgotten in this country. He is operating in a part of the world where people continue to suffer for their faith, and the conscientious expression of their faith. That is a daily reality for people in several parts of Asia. It is something that may be of more historical interest in Ireland but in the coming weeks we will be discussing freedom of conscience for people with particular religious and ethical views and I hope we will remember the importance of recognising people's freedom of conscience and their right to their deepest held convictions. It is precisely because of his deeply held convictions that a man like Michael Sinnott has given up his life to do the work he is doing for the betterment of humanity.

I would like a discussion to take place on courtesy in the House. Senator Bacik did Senator Walsh a disservice in suggesting that he was calling her credentials on capital punishment-----