Sean Barrett (Independent)

The founding by her ancestor at Trinity College Dublin was a major contribution to education not only in this country but worldwide and I am proud to represent it. I share that with Senator Norris.

There is no doubt the mixture of religion and politics has been toxic in Ireland. I recall when a former member, Dr. Maurice Hayes, was conferred with a honorary degree in Trinity College on 12 July. At the dinner afterwards he thanked the provost, fellows and scholars for allowing him to wear regalia to march in a procession on 12 July and he was glad the procession did not cause offence and did not have to be rerouted. Therefore, one can redefine traditions in a more inclusive manner.

Recently, I prayed with Senator Zappone when she preached in college chapel. One can practise as successfully as she does, religion and her membership of the House. I see nothing sinister about people at prayer and do not think people at prayer are a threat. One might say to those who sent the e-mails to Senator Byrne that if those of a religious belief are correct, they are harmless when at prayer. If they are wrong they will not do atheists any harm because nothing will result. However, I worry that as we set aside some forms of bitterness and sectarianism an intolerance is developing in society among those who sent Senator Byrne and others the e-mails. I recall Senator Norris saying on one occasion, and Senator Ó Murchú referred to an intervention by the archbishop of Dublin, that if one does not like the Angelus just leave the room, make a cup of tea and it will be all over when one gets back. As Senator Norris said, if one does not like the Angelus, one can just leave the room to make a cup of tea and when one comes back it will be all over. Tolerance must exist on both sides.

There is an intolerance in some of the e-mails that have been circulated on this issue. In an attempt to appear modern and so on, we might have the rather strange result that, while we might succeed in banning the Angelus twice a day on RTE, people may turn over to the morning service on BBC which operates for a full 15 minutes. It would be ironic that a country which thought of itself as religious when the United Kingdom had ceased to be had to rely on the United Kingdom to supply it with its religious broadcasting. It requires a balance on the other side to see that people engaged in religious practice are not a threat to others. We believe in that inclusiveness that requires a compromise which is in the motion and which I support.