David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)

I was completing my intermediate certificate when Dr. Robinson stood in the presidential campaign in 1990. My family was also divided. It was always divided between the Labour Party and Fianna Fáil but rather than doing what Senator O'Brien did and take sides, I took the best of both parties and joined the republican labour party of Sinn Féin.

Earlier, Dr. Robinson mentioned her activism with regard to her work in the Seanad and after her time in the Seanad in terms of her presidential role and as a high commissioner in the United Nations. However, Dr. Robinson was also a young activist and her activism preceded her time in the Seanad. She referred to young people beginning to ask questions. It is interesting that many of the issues Dr. Robinson raised, contraception being one, were seen at the time as radical. Would anyone see these issues as radical today? It is important to create space for young people. Today, we will have older people and representatives of older groups before the Seanad Public Consultation Committee but I hope that we will invite representatives of youth groups to address the Seanad as well.

I am proud of the work Dr. Robinson did as President of Ireland. When she met the now Deputy Gerry Adams on the Falls Road in west Belfast many years ago, it was seen as a brave move. Dr. Robinson mentioned Dr. Maurice Manning's visit to the House some weeks ago and referred to the good, frank and straight discussion in the House about human and civil rights. He made the point that human and civil rights abuses are not only issues for developing countries but that human rights abuses take place in the developed world and in this country as well.

I seek Dr. Robinson's opinion on two issues. There is a need for an all Ireland bill of rights. This is committed to in the Good Friday agreement. It is important to establish what exactly human rights are and to put them on a statutory footing. This would enable legislators and Government to vindicate the rights of citizens and this is the most important thing that we can do. The second question relates to the UN millennium development goals and the need for us to continue to support overseas aid. Despite the fact that we have significant problems in this country, sometimes they pale in comparison to what is taking place in developing countries. We must continue to support people living in real poverty and in situations where there is famine in the world. I seek Dr. Robinson's opinion on these issues.