Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Leader in what is a busy week in legislative terms for setting aside a short time at 11.45 a.m. tomorrow for statements on the 750th anniversary of the first Irish Parliament. I thank my Trinity College Dublin colleague, Mr. Paul Horan, for bringing this to my attention. I mentioned at the Committee on Procedure and Privileges that 18 June marked the 750th anniversary of the earliest known Irish Parliament for which there is a definitive record. It met on 18 June 1264 at Castledermot, County Kildare. There is an article by Mr. Horan in this month's edition of History Ireland. While we will talk more about the issue tomorrow, I thank the Leader because it is nice that we are able to mark this anniversary.
As I am sure others will, I record my condemnation of the shooting of a six year old boy in Dublin on Friday evening. The Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, also issued a statement condemning the shooting. It was particularly heinous and appalling to see a young boy literally caught in crossfire. I know that everyone will wish to share in that condemnation.
I commend the former President, Mrs. McAleese, for her comment that it would be "completely bonkers" to ask 150 male celibates to review Church teaching on family life and the Catholic Church. Former President McAleese was pulling no punches with her words which certainly have resonance for many of us here.