Seanad debates

Tuesday, 6 December 2016

2:30 pm

Photo of Niall Ó DonnghaileNiall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Ba mhaith liom fáilte a chur roimh an gcomhaontú agus an réitiú atá déanta, tá súil agam, ag muintir dúchais Mheiriceá Thuaidh. I cautiously welcome the apparent resolution to the protest at Standing Rock by the Sioux tribe. The Leader will know the protest has been going on against the proposed Dakota access pipeline for a long period.The pipeline involves a 1,200 mile link between North Dakota and Illinois which, as proposed, would threaten the native people's water supply, cultural heritage and burial sites. There appears to be a resolution to that protest and the permission to finish the pipelines has not been granted. There are, however, many concerns among the Native American tribe because of the President-elect and his associations with the company responsible, and the resolution may be short-lived.

In this country we know the importance of environmental indigenous heritage sites and the danger that a capitalist agenda partnered with a compliant government can pose to such sites. Through the Leader I ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, when he is engaged with colleagues in the United States, to ensure that Ireland's voice is very clearly heard in support of those people standing in defence of Standing Rock. He should ensure a message of solidarity and support for the Sioux tribe there goes from this Chamber.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.