Seanad debates

Monday, 8 February 2021

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

 

10:30 am

Photo of Vincent P MartinVincent P Martin (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

As we go through this tragic, third, Groundhog Day-type of lockdown, a growing number of people are of the opinion that it is time to try something different. That difference is espoused by the Independent Scientific Advocacy Group in the form of the so-called zero Covid strategy. While an increasing number of individuals believe in the compelling merits espoused by advocates such as Professors Tomás Ryan, Julien Mercille, Aoife McLysaght, Sam McConkey, Anthony Staines and Gabriel Scally, at the very least people want to be assured that the option has been fully explored.I am asking the Leader of this House to ask the three leaders in government to meet the Independent Scientific Advocacy Group to explore this option. The very least people deserve is that this option has been fully exhausted.

Second, it is clear an all-island strategy would have been the best approach. I am seeking assurances that the Taoiseach has fully engaged with the leader of Ulster unionism, including when the meetings were held and the length of those meetings. Again, there is a growing number of people who feel this option has not been fully explored. We are where we are in the Six Counties, if they could not work it out. I would like to know if the leader of the Republic of Ireland, An Taoiseach, fully engaged and explored with Ulster unionism the benefits for all of an all-island strategy? If he did or did not, has he engaged with Boris Johnson in the UK and with the EU in regard to applying pressure? Maybe it was an east-west approach. It is never too late. I would like to know the extent of the engagement An Taoiseach has had with Ulster unionism.

Third, the Brexiteers who advised their supporters that Brexit would in some way enhance their Britishness sold the electorate a fairytale with a sad ending. In terms of the evidence, one has only to ask the people of Scotland or Northern Ireland if the union is stronger today. With the unrest in Larne, it has come back to haunt those who supported that strategy. A golden opportunity was missed. The Good Friday Agreement cemented the unionist position in the consent principle. They could have had that doubled down and cemented by doing it right here, but they did not. They chose to look the other way and the result is disquiet in the North. I hope this does not become an issue and a hot potato in next year's assembly elections. I caution everyone in Northern Ireland to sit down and have dialogue. Dialogue is the only way forward, not arguments that lack substance or foundation.

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