Gerald Nash (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I propose an amendment to the Order of Business to take No. 13, the Industrial Relations (Joint Labour Committees) Bill 2019, before No. 1.

I wish to reflect on the points so articulately and eloquently put by Senator Marshall. We should never forget what the conflict inflicted on far too many people on this island, on our neighbouring island and elsewhere.I absolutely agree that "Lost Lives" should be essential viewing for all citizens of this state, the United Kingdom and elsewhere. We must always remember the horror inflicted on our people in those dark days from the late 1960s through to the Good Friday Agreement, not forgetting the tragic loss of Lyra McKee who was murdered this year. Peace is fragile. We must remember that one of the central tenets of the Good Friday Agreement and one of the things that will make sure we will never return to those dark days is recognising the right of all individuals to their identity as British, Irish or both. As a consequence of a judgment by the British Home Office yesterday, the right of Emma DeSouza to be Irish and have her Irish identity recognised by the British state was not upheld. This afternoon the Taoiseach recognised her as an Irish citizen and somebody who has, as a matter of fact, an Irish passport. He has said the issue will be raised again by the Tánaiste, Deputy Coveney, in meetings with the British authorities and Ministers this week. With respect, tea and sympathy are not what is required. We need strong action by the British Government to make sure that, as co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, the right of citizens in the North to identify as Irish will be protected, as is the right to be considered British, and that they will have the full protection of the law in that respect.

I agree with the statement made by my colleague Senator Norris on the behaviour of the Turkish regime towards the Kurdish population in northern Syria. It is absolutely outrageous and unacceptable. The Kurdish people are among the most tormented of races on the planet and this has been the case since time immemorial. The actions of Turkey must be condemned by the House. I know many Turkish people living in Ireland who are good friends of mine, who do not accept what is happening and who find themselves at odds with the decision made by the Erdoan Government to engage in these horrific and reprehensible acts which do not reflect the wishes of the Turkish people I know who want to live in peace and respect the rights of the Kurdish people. We know that this genie was allowed to emerge from the bottle by the actions of the US President, Donald Trump. It is entirely unacceptable. I support the proposal of my colleague Senator Norris that we protest to the Turkish ambassador about the behaviour of the Turkish regime in what is happening in northern Syria. It is absolutely unacceptable and should be deplored by everybody in the House.