Susan O'Keeffe (Labour)

I am proud of the fact every day that I am a citizen, and not a subject, of a Republic, which increasingly is becoming a more inclusive, understanding and tolerant place to live. There are many things that need to be improved and there are many things we will try to improve in Parliament and outside it. What is important to me is that I am a citizen and proud of it and we share the Republic with other citizens. We are all shaped by what we believe, whatever that belief system is. In a more equal and tolerant Republic, this new way of starting our day in the Chamber reflects the change and growth that is happening in our Republic. We have reached an understanding that we can be more tolerant and that we can live side by side and respect, understand and appreciate them. In respecting our tradition of saying a prayer and allowing a time for reflection, to encompass all the other beliefs, systems and value, it creates a perfect reflection of what we are trying to do in the Republic. I am delighted to support this amendment.