Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

We are all aware that church-state relationships have not been good for some time past. People on both sides of the argument have felt hurt in this regard. Often, this comes down to individual families. I believe Senators will have noticed the feeling abroad that it is time to move on. If we do not move on when the opportunity arises, it may not come again in the near future. The Eucharistic Congress will involve people from throughout the world coming to Ireland. If there is an indication that church-state relationships are still at a low and fragile ebb it will not be good for the country.

There is an opportunity today to show that the Seanad has given careful consideration to this, to show that we are prepared to move on and that we are prepared to do what is right at the right time. I believe genuinely that this is the right time. No one need believe we are losing face in any way by doing so. The Seanad can set an example. As Senator Feargal Quinn stated, the motion before us is delicately worded and it in no way attempts to be triumphalist or confrontational. It simply tries to set the position in Ireland straight in respect of this relationship which we all cherished in the past. It would do good for the Seanad, the country and its future in the context of church-state relationships. We should do this today and try to be unanimous in this regard. I call on the Leader to reflect on the wording of the motion. It is in no way anti-Government, nor is it anti- any political party. It simply reflects what we are hearing from people, not from a select body of people but widespread views throughout the State at present.

We are being examined very closely internationally. Last week, a major delegation from Britain went to meet the Pope to discuss issues of human rights and many other issues as well. Given the closure of the Irish Embassy at the Vatican and by not taking the opportunity to send the right message, we are not doing what our constituents are keen for us to do. I call on the Leader to reflect on and consider whether there is some way forward to get this message to the Government.