Seanad debates

Thursday, 17 May 2012

British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly: Statements

 

1:00 pm

Photo of Mark DalyMark Daly (Fianna Fail)

The work of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly plays an extremely important role in fostering the relationship between the two islands. As my colleague from Kerry has pointed out, the issue of trade has now become more focused at these meetings. Once upon a time Britain was our largest trading partner and it is as important to all of our manufacturers and suppliers in Ireland as we are to it. As certain issues in the North have receded, such as the violence that blighted this island for so long, we can now focus on the issues of mutual concern and benefit to both populations. That does not mean that we cannot raise such matters as some colleagues did today in the chamber on the Order of Business when they spoke about justice and justice delayed. Today is the anniversary of the Dublin-Monaghan bombings and we have been denied justice for it. As my colleagues, Senators Mary M. White and Jim Walsh have pointed out, nobody has been brought to trial for the atrocity where more people lost their lives than in any other single atrocity during the Troubles. The British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly is so important because we can raise these issues with our parliamentary colleagues in Westminster and seek justice for those who have been denied it for so long.

As my colleague has pointed out, trade issues are increasingly important and should be.

He has proposed that a trade delegation should be led by senior Ministers and the Taoiseach. That would be very important in expanding these links. I am pleased that Mr. Naughton has taken up the challenge of being the first president of the British Irish Chamber of Commerce. That positive development will be good for the economies of both islands.

I mentioned on Tuesday that I welcome the use of the Seanad Chamber for the deliberations and discussions of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly on issues of concern to Ireland and Britain. I have proposed to the Minister that this Chamber be used next year during The Gathering for a meeting of members of the Westminster Parliament, the Scottish Parliament, the National Assembly for Wales, the Northern Ireland Assembly, the assemblies in America, the Parliament of Australia and the Parliament of New Zealand who are of Irish descent. We should invite them to come back to Ireland to discuss issues of mutual concern. The Members of the Seanad and the other House should be involved in those discussions with our colleagues from other parliaments. This Chamber would be the ideal location for such a debate.

I welcome the ongoing work of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly. I wish it continued success. I know it has issued a number of reports on certain topics. We would like progress to be made on those matters. If we discuss our problems and try to find solutions, we can achieve a better outcome for our citizens. I refer not only to economic matters, but also to the justice that has been denied to so many citizens and communities from all parts of this island.

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