Fiach MacConghail (Independent) | Oireachtas source

For the second day in a row, I find myself in the unusual position of supporting a call made by Senator Bacik. Rather than being a paradox, the Seanad discussing the issue of Dáil reform would be both important and constructive.

I wish to raise the issue of the continuing incarceration of artist and peace activist, Ms Margaretta D'Arcy, in Limerick Prison. Ms D'Arcy will start the fourth week of a three-month sentence on Friday. I understand she might be transferred to the Dóchas Centre in Mountjoy in the coming week. Ms D'Arcy is 79 years of age and has serious medical problems, including Parkinson's disease and cancer. Despite this, she is indefatigable when it comes to highlighting the fact that this Republic continues to pursue an ambiguous foreign policy. When we look back at our own history, we can be quite emphatic about the moral rights and wrongs we, as a society, committed. What about the current position? We should all have been opposed to the use of Shannon Airport by the US military. In that context, I should have said and done more. I call on the Leader to arrange a debate on the use of Shannon Airport by the US military in order that we might highlight the ridiculous scenario which obtains.

The State will be found seriously wanting if it does not engage in a proper investigation of US military flights in and out of Shannon. It will also be found seriously wanting if it continues to ignore the publicity surrounding the imprisonment of Margaretta D'Arcy. As Mr. Denis Halliday, former assistant secretary general of the United Nations, is on record as stating, we have a moral obligation in respect of this matter. He also pointed out the precedent that exists in the context of protesters demonstrating against the use of Shannon by the US military and stated that individual citizens of any country have international duties and responsibilities that transcend national domestic obligations of obedience to local law when it undermines the values and provisions of international law.

I am not sure if I would be as courageous as Margaretta D'Arcy but I take this opportunity to express my solidarity with her. She is determined not to sign a bail bond and the Government will not release her, even on humanitarian grounds.