Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the ambassador of the United Kingdom to the House. I also welcome the invitation that has been extended to President Higgins from the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ireland to attend next year's parade in Rossnowlagh. I hope the processing of that invitation in the normal way will enhance relationships and promote friendships, which is what happened during President McAleese's time in office.

I note in his speech after the parade in Rossnowlagh, County Donegal, the Orange Lodge grand master said, "Two years ago, our grand secretary, Drew Nelson, made a landmark and historic speech in the Irish Senate in Dublin". These are valuable links which I hope will be promoted.

In the same vein, I welcome the initiative of Trinity College Dublin to increase its intake number of Northern Ireland students which has been welcomed by the Minister, Deputy Ruairí Quinn, praising the all-Ireland approach to education, as well as by John O’Dowd, the Northern Ireland Minister for Education, and by Dr. Stephen Farry, Minister for Employment and Learning. These contacts between young people from both sides of the Border can only do good. Both initiatives are important in a week when we wish the parades season will pass off peacefully.