Erin McGreehan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We all know we are going through our centenary celebrations or commiserations, whatever way you want to look at it. We are entering a new century of the two jurisdictions of this island. I have great ambition for this entire island. I ask for the Seanad to take up a leading role in our North-South dialogue. We often complain in this House that we do not have enough Northern voices. Maybe it is about time we ask leaders of the North to come to address us and talk about what this island wants. We can have an active engagement in this Seanad, between North and South, by having our political leaders in the North come to discuss how we move forward in the next 100 years.

Whatever the constitutional status, be it the status quoor a reunited Ireland, we are better off talking, engaging and moving forward. I would like if we could discuss, in the next session, inviting some of our political leaders in the North to come to address us here.