Frank Feighan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It shows a lack of respect to a piece of music that represents understanding and peace between member states. I believe they do not represent the British public.Over the years we have paid huge respect to the British national anthem and all other national anthems, and vice versa. We would be very upset if such disrespect was shown to our national anthem. The "Ode to Joy" is not just for one state but for the Union. It is a huge disrespect for elected representatives to turn their backs when the anthem was played.

Senator Norris rightly referred to the Dublin Pride parade. Mention was also made of 600 civil servants, the Garda and the Prison Service. I wish to note that the Police Service of Northern Ireland, PSNI, participated in the parade.