Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join with my colleagues in extending our sympathies to the Currie family and to our colleague and friend, Emer, on the sad passing of Austin Currie. He was a colossus and a leader. When it was unpopular to do so, he took the need for human rights to be upheld to a new level. He built his life around peace and building bridges. He never recoiled from what he stood for but never supported violence. For the sake of his legacy and memory, we should all work to achieve his vision every day of our lives. Ar dheis Dé go raibh an anam.

I join with Senator Lombard in asking for an urgent debate on the America's Cup. This is a generational opportunity not only for Cork but also for the south west and the whole of our country. We have had the Ryder Cup and the world championships in showjumping and athletics. We have had all types of sporting and cultural events in our country, including the Eurovision Song Contest, and they have been held successfully to a high level. The Ryder Cup showed we can do it in a sporting context. We should embrace the America's Cup and ensure it is delivered to Cork and Ireland. It is important for us to do that. Senator Lombard was right to raise the matter. The Minister should come before us. It is not a matter of money or cost, it is about the opportunity and what the event can bring to us. I do not own a boat and I do not have sea legs. I do, however, have an appreciation of what this event is and of its scale, size and potential.

We should remember Austin Currie this morning, a man who led, delivered, upheld and spoke about peace in everything he did.