Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte mór roimh Seán, sár iar-uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael. Bhí brú mór ann don phróiseas síochána nuair a thoghadh Seán mar uachtarán ar Chumann Lúthchleas Gael. Bhí sé an-fhoighneach agus cneasta in aghaidh gach a bhí ina choinne an t-am sin. Níl aon dabht againn anois ach go raibh sé ar fheabhas don tír agus do Chumann Lúthchleas Gael gur tugadh cead sacar agus rugbaí a imirt i bPáirc an Chrócaigh. Tá meas mór ar Sheán i measc Aontachtaithe, de bharr gur canadh "Dia, Sábháil an Banríon" - "God save the Queen" - i bPáirc an Chrócaigh.

What I have just said is that they liked hearing "God Save the Queen" sung in Croke Park. It made a major impact. As recently as last Friday, the gesture was recognised as huge in the North-South discussions at Stormont. I spoke to some constituents in Enniskillen soon afterwards and a strong Unionist said that if his barn needed repairing and a neighbour loaned him his, he would respect that neighbour. Senator Brennan referred to the Rugby World Cup which we have applied to host. The fact that it could be staged here without any of the controversies which Seán Kelly had to endure represents a remarkable contribution to his country. I am delighted that we have a Kerry Senator in the Chair. Mr. Kelly will recall that in his difficulties in the GAA, it was a key man from Leitrim, Tommy Byrne, who rang the bell after three minutes, thereby extinguishing loquacious clergymen and former presidents of the GAA from Cork who thought they were still running the organisation. It was a major achievement. Senator O'Sullivan is playing an important role in ensuring that proceedings observe the rules.

There is an interesting story in the book about an encounter with a former Cathaoirleach, Rory Kiely. Mr. Kelly wrote that "Rory was a shrewd operator and, as Cathaoirleach of the Seanad, carried a fair deal of weight". I am glad to hear it. We will pass on the news to the current Cathaoirleach. Mr. Kelly will recall that while Mr. Kiely was against the change being proposed, his son voted for it. I hope when the retention of the Seanad is dealt with, the precedent will be observed. I was delighted that a constituent of mine, Mr. Peter Boyle, was president of the IRFU at the relevant time and helped Mr. Kelly move through a wonderful period of sporting friendship and ecumenism. I remember the legendary Pádraig Kennelly of Kerry's Eye introducing me to Seán Kelly. It is hardly a surprise that he is MEP of the year for research and innovation. If he accomplishes in Europe a fraction of what he has done in Ireland to promote the peace process, the EU will be in his debt.

To respond to Mr. Kelly's speech, our present problems are the result of the massive design faults in the euro currency. We have discussed them here. There should have been more debate with the British, the Danes and the Swedes, who pointed out the faults originally. I find it very difficult to imagine that Greece and Portugal can survive at a fixed exchange rate with Germany. Mr. Kelly mentioned the €44 billion we have made from the Common Agricultural Policy, but the currency has cost us €64 billion to rescue banks which went broke as German money flowed in. The EU must move faster. Last week, the Seanad discussed legislation to introduce mechanisms like those being implemented in the USA and UK to separate utility banks from casino banks and to require banks to be better capitalised. The legislation is being held up by the slow pace in Europe, which should be addressed. There are now 25 million unemployed people in the EU, which represents an increase of 2 million in the last 12 months. As other Members have said, there is problem with Europe appearing to be so distant and 27 people taking an age to make up their minds to do anything. The EU must justify itself to the citizens.

The research budget is good, but it must have inputs. To refer to one of Mr. Kelly's previous great interests, much of the research, innovation and education budget should focus on primary level. Science was removed from the Irish curriculum in the 1920s and it would be brilliant to reintroduce it. There is also a languages problem.

I think languages were nearly there in the primary schools in the 1920s, but to make room for religion and the revival of the Irish language, they were taken out of the curriculum. It would make a major impact if these subjects were part of the primary school curriculum as everybody goes to primary school.

Mr. Kelly will play a crucial role in the new era of architects. I have already mentioned research and innovation.

As the Leader has said we are crucially well placed to foster relations with the United States and I am delighted that Mr. Kelly is on that committee, as we are midway between the United States and Canada and the European economy. Canada has the largest proportion of Irish people in its population. I think we will be organising some visits there in October and November. This provides huge scope and I am delighted that Mr. Kelly is connected with that also.

Mr. Kelly quoted the statement by the Commissioner for Research and Innovation, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, who said: "Since we want our scientists and innovators to spend more time in the lab or workshop and less time filling in forms, we are slashing red tape to make it easier to access financing." I think we should also add that they should spend more time teaching because scientists must encourage and develop the current crop of young people to take an interest in science. They have been neglecting that due to the current emphasis on research and on independent funding of the research and filling in forms.

County Kerry has had remarkable success in regional development and has developed an airport with a link all the year round with Germany. The Liebherr group came to Kerry long before the Common Market. That has to be promoted and people such as Denis Cregan, the chairman, must be commended for what they are doing. We have the resource of the marine, an immense area off our coast that is far bigger than the land mass of the country. What we can get out of the blue project will be most interesting.

Mr. Kelly's success comes as no surprise. We wish him well and I thank him for his address to the Seanad. From setting the precedent of rugby in Croke Park, I am delighted that he sees a role for the Seanad in the future. I would much prefer to have him on my team than on the opposing side.

Go raibh maith agat a Sheáin.