Michael Mullins (Fine Gael)

I will be brief. I support the change to Standing Order 18. The amendment should not be regarded as a compromise, but as evidence that Senators are a tolerant and inclusive group of parliamentarians. Senator Bacik referred to the background to the prayer and its introduction in the House in the 1930s when a compromise on the prayer's wording was reached. Some traditions are worth retaining and it is appropriate that we retain the prayer at the start of our business and start the day with a period of reflection. I take Senator Norris's point on board, in that it sometimes appears hypocritical to say a prayer before taking lumps out of one another on the Order of Business or during proceedings, but we should reflect on whether we should be much more Christian or tolerant towards one another. We should be more inclusive in how we deal with particular issues.

I have received a number of e-mails from people who believe it is not appropriate in this day and age to start our proceedings with a prayer, but a 30-second period of reflection allows non-Christians an opportunity to think about their version of religion or non-religion, as the case may be. It allows us to reflect on how we can do better, be more tolerant of one another and make decisions in the best interests of the people we represent as well as others.

I welcome the Archbishop, who is in the audience. I was moved to hear him speak in such a tolerant, Christian and forgiving manner about people who carried out terrible atrocities against his people. I almost asked whether he was for real. Had any of us been subjected to such injustice and discrimination, would we have been as tolerant or as forgiving as him?

I support the prayer and period of reflection. As Senator Bradford mentioned, the recent census showed that a large majority of people indicated that they were from a Christian tradition. The prayer reflects this fact and the 30 seconds of reflection afford people who do not subscribe to the Christian tradition time to pay respect or homage to their own beliefs.