Rónán Mullen (Independent)

The 20th century was probably as bloody as all other centuries put together. I hope all Members will have a received a note that the archbishop of Orissa, John Barwa, will give a briefing tomorrow at 12.15 p.m. in Leinster House about the persecution of Christians, particularly in his area, one of the poorest states in India. At a time when we are talking about human rights in China, this is an opportunity to get up close and develop our awareness of the suffering of our fellow brothers and sisters in the world, not just Christians but those in our common humanity. There are people suffering in the world and it is important we face our challenges that we would not ignore their plight. We have a good opportunity tomorrow to hear at first hand some of what people in the world are going through.