Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I would also like to ask the Leader to ascertain the position regarding the Waterford Crystal workers. We met with them in the AV Room a few weeks ago after their rights had been vindicated in Europe. It would be regrettable if they were returned to a limbo after seven or eight years.

I commend Senator Barrett. He has set the right tone regarding the Orange Order. The Leader might consider convening a meeting of the CPP today to issue an immediate invitation to the Orange Order to come back to the Seanad. I believe they would accept that invitation at this time. We would be doing a lot of good in helping to calm what is happening in the North at the moment. Senator Barrett is 100% right that the orange traditions and the people who are committed to them feel threatened. During the peace process, I hosted a visit by the late David Ervine and more than 200 people turned up from different walks of life. It gave us an opportunity to understand the perspective of those who come from an Orange tradition. A few years ago I was asked to meet a delegation of people who represent the Orange traditions. I had a very fruitful four or five hours with them, and the message that Senator Barrett is putting forward is the same message that I heard on that occasion. They told me that they felt that their traditions were being diminished and diluted. This was not in a political sense. These were the traditions which they embrace and to which they are committed. If there is to be any real meaning in the Good Friday Agreement, it has to be one of inclusiveness. In the same way that the Seanad broke the mould by bringing the Orange Order down here, it would be wonderful to have dialogue right now. The Leader has been exceptionally good on this area. I do not think any Senator would object to coming back here in a week or two. It will not be any good in September or October. Senator Barrett has put his finger on the urgency that exists at the moment.