Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)

I acknowledge the confusion created when I put the question while in the Chair. Like a pause for prayer, a few seconds passed before anyone indicated a desire to speak. I never envisaged that 12 or 13 Senators wanted to contribute on this issue, but that is their entitlement. I ask the Acting Chairman to use his discretion to put the question again. It would be the fairest way to proceed. I respect people's right to ask for a vote on this issue, but we should be careful about what it is we are voting on. Were we to vote against the 30 seconds of silence, we would also be abolishing the prayer. Sin scéal eile.

I support the decision of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. I was not one of its members who were in favour of abolishing the prayer. It is important that we have a prayer. I am often present for the Order of Business and, like most Senators, I stand and reflect on the words uttered. I will respect the additional 30 seconds of silence. It is a good idea.

I ask the House to reflect on a comment by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Coveney. During the recent boating tragedy in Glandore Harbour, five lives were lost. Thankfully, all of the bodies were recovered. I asked people to pray for their recovery, etc. I visited the scene twice throughout. Every evening on the pier as night fell and the search was called off, the Catholic priest prayed for the recovery of the bodies and for tolerance. Sometimes, 200 or 300 people were present. Immediately after that, members of the Muslim Egyptian community said their own prayers. The Christians and those of no denomination who were present respected those prayers. It was beautiful to see Muslims and Christians praying together because of a tragedy. It was a wonderful blend.

We should take a look at Muslim and Christian history. Christ is seen as a prophet in the Muslim religion, not the redeemer or saviour. There are links, but there have been several holy wars and, of course, internal Christian wars. I had a chat about faith with a religious person in America. I do not know whether the person was Muslim or Buddhist, as it was a while ago. The person could not understand the holy row between Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland. We were all Christians and the person could see no difference or understand for what we were fighting.

It is important that we retain the prayer and add 30 seconds of silence. I am not an overly religious person. I am a practising Catholic, albeit not daily. I am also a spiritual person. In addition to the prayer, the 30 seconds will cater for those who want the prayer and for those who want time to stand in reflection. It is a catch-all amendment and has been agreed by the CPP.

Members can vote on it if they prefer, but we should reflect about what it is we are voting on. I have been in the House for a long time and am probably one of the elders in the Chamber. I first became a Senator in 1989. This is a sensitive issue and the majority of members of the CPP as well as a majority of Senators would like to retain the prayer. By including 30 seconds of silence prior to that, we will accommodate those who do not have the same religious beliefs as others.