Jim D'Arcy (Fine Gael)

I add my congratulations to all those involved in facilitating and organising the visit of Mr. Drew Nelson to the House today. It was a good day for the Seanad. I hope also that it will lead to further improved relations between the peoples of the two jurisdictions. I was particularly impressed by the quality of all the contributions of the leaders which were excellent.

I am pleased to raise an issue I raised almost a year ago, that is, the naming of the Boyne cable bridge on the M1 motorway over the River Boyne, the President Mary McAleese Bridge. Yesterday, the National Roads Authority informed Meath County Council that it could go ahead and name the bridge, the Mary McAleese Bridge. At that time, the Taoiseach, fully supportive of the idea, asked that the motion be passed at Meath and Louth county councils. For procedural reasons, Louth County Council is introducing the motion this month. I have no doubt it will be passed. It is fitting that the issue was raised here and supported at that time by eight contributors from all parties. Mr. Drew Nelson, the Grand Secretary of the Orange Order has told me that, if invited, he would be honoured to attend the formal naming of the bridge, the President Mary McAleese Bridge.