Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)

I acknowledge the presence of Ambassadors Chilcott and Rooney and of three former Members of this House, Maurice Hayes, Eoghan Harris and Jim Ruttle. On this important and historic day, I am pleased to welcome the grand secretary, Mr. Drew Nelson, the grand master, Mr. Stephenson, and the other distinguished guests from the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland. On behalf of the Fianna Fáil Party, I extend a warm welcome. As Mr. Nelson observed, my party is a republican party but its republicanism has always been constitutional.

Mr. Nelson's thought-provoking address included a reference to the funding difficulties facing Church of Ireland and other Protestant schools in the Republic. It is an issue I have raised on several occasions in this Chamber. If it is to be a true republic, a country must cherish its minorities in a manner that allows them to flourish. It is very rarely that I mention my wife in the House, but I will do so on this occasion. Being from a Church of Ireland background, she has instilled some of her thinking into my own views. As the Leader observed, many of us are from backgrounds of shared faiths. I respect all faiths, as does Mr. Nelson.

We have moved on to a remarkable degree, North and South, since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. For the Grand Secretary to be addressing us here today is a vital further step in that progress. I agree with Mr. Nelson's comments regarding the burden of history and acknowledge the many grave wrongs done to the Protestant community throughout this country. We all share the burden of history and there are victims on all sides. We must all look forward to the future together as we seek peacefully to share this small island of little more than 5 million people. People on both parts of the island and from both traditions are struggling with the same problems and concerns on a daily basis. While recognising our shared traditions, we should also acknowledge that our diversity makes us a better people.

Last year saw the visit of Queen Elizabeth II to this State. Most people welcomed this as a significant event for the people of the Republic, indeed for all people on this island. As Mr. Nelson acknowledged, it showed that we are moving towards a normalisation of relationships whereby we can welcome our neighbours, respect our differences and learn from each other. That is what today is about. Mr. Nelson's address was very thought provoking and did not pull any punches. I particularly welcome his acknowledgement that the atrocities which took place in the past did not have the support of the vast majority of people in the Republic. There was suffering on all sides but now is the time to move on. The visit by Mr. Nelson and his colleagues is an important step in that direction. The next step, I propose, would be for us to receive delegations on the issue raised by Mr. Nelson regarding the funding of Protestant schools in the State. It is a cause of grave concern to many that 75% of all rural schools affected by the reductions in funding are Protestant. That is not something we support.

We can learn from the tradition of the Orange Order. It is an important part of Irish society and Irish life. Many of the points Mr. Nelson made regarding the role the order plays in so many communities apply equally to the GAA. I look forward to the day when both of these great traditions - the true republican tradition and the Unionist tradition - can celebrate together. I look forward specifically to the day when, in agreement with the citizens of this city, we will see an Orange parade on the streets of Dublin, with people walking together in a non-triumphalist way and respecting each other's views. That would prove we really are neighbours and brothers, sharing this island in peace and seeking to work together for the good of all the people.

While recognising the significant progress that has been made, we must look to the work that remains to be done. The attendance of the Grand Secretary and his colleagues in the Chamber today is an important step in the road. I hope it is merely the beginning of a process of engagement and not simply a once-off event. We have a great deal to learn from each other. On behalf of my Fianna Fáil colleagues, I welcome Mr. Drew most sincerely and warmly. I look forward to our further engagements this afternoon.