Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As many other Senators have said, St. Patrick's Day is a time for celebration. We do it exceptionally well in Ireland. We do it in every community and throughout the world. St. Patrick's Day is also a time for bridge building. We have seen many instances of this. Added to the celebration on this occasion is the elevation of our new Pope, Francis. It is interesting that when all the world leaders send congratulations to the new Pope, they all know the role that the church has played in peacemaking, health, education and the relief of poverty. This is a great story, to which Ireland has been central from the time that the Pope sent St. Patrick here. We should rejoice in that as it is particularly important. We should avail of this opportunity to give a tangible expression to the history of the relationship between Ireland the Vatican. When world leaders are sending expressions of congratulation, would it not be wonderful if we in Ireland availed of the opportunity to do some bridge building and reopened the embassy at the Vatican? It is an ideal opportunity.

It is important that we avail of the opportunity to acknowledge the generosity of Senator David Norris this morning. We all feel too comfortable at times in our own bunkers and forget the sun is shining outside. We also forget that we have so much in common because of matters that divide us at a given time. Senator Norris's contribution this morning will be the defining moment of our congratulating Pope Francis. We must try to find ways and means to work together and ensure acrimony is not dividing us. We must use every opportunity to bring strength and unity to what we want to achieve. Tá súil agam, nuair a bheidh seans ag an Rialtas machnamh arís ar an ambasáid atá dúnta faoi láthair, go n-osclófar í athuair. If we lose the opportunity to build bridges, our words will not mean much in other areas.