Ivana Bacik (Independent)

I echo what Senator Darragh O'Brien has said and congratulate the Chathaoirleach, the Leas-Chathaoirleach, and the Leader, Senator Cummins, in particular, and also Senator McAleese, for their work in organising today's address by Mr. Drew Nelson, grand secretary of the Orange Order. It was an important and historical event for the Seanad. I agree that it is important that it was not an exercise in back slapping or sycophancy and that we had a critical engagement with the Orange Order. Unfortunately, I did not say to Mr. Nelson that there is no chance of us rejoining the Commonwealth anytime soon.