Erin McGreehan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I join colleagues in congratulating the Government and, in particular, the Minister for Foreign Affairs on the strong commitment to the Defence Forces. We all know that morale in our forces is low. This historic investment and reform will bring about the change that is very much needed. Like my colleagues, I wish that our military personnel would be adequately paid and respected. Óglaigh na hÉireann needs to be modernised and brought into its second century. I am very proud to be part of the Government that is bringing about that change. I congratulate the Minister for Defence on his great work on this. We have the plan and we now need action and delivery.

I also pay tribute to the Fianna Fáil Leader in the Seanad on her work in respect of the women's health policy, and all the Fianna Fáil councillors, Senators and members throughout the country who contributed to this very good document. I am very proud to be part of that. I thank Senator Chambers.

I wish to speak about the so-called celebrations last night for the 11 July bonfires. It is sickening to see the hate that continues to be portrayed. We are almost not allowed to be offended by it because it is somehow portrayed as culture, but hate is not culture. We need to ensure that our unionist friends - I have unionist friends - stand up to this sectarian hate. Imagine if we stuck an effigy of the queen or a union jack on a bonfire and burned it. We do not need to do that. I am confident enough in my nationality and in my republicanism that we do not need to do those types of things. It is about time that unionist leaders stood up and led their people to be strong enough and proud enough in their own identity that they do not need to burn down and denigrate other people's culture and flag. I send a message to all our unionist friends. When they burn the tricolour, they are burning part of themselves, because our flag represents peace between the orange and the green.