Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Ar dtús báire, ba mhaith liom fáilte a chur roimh ambasadóir na Breataine agus comhbhrón a dhéanamh leis. I join colleagues in expressing condolences to Ambassador Johnston and to the British people. I am mindful that the unionist people in the North, in particular, are in a period of mourning along with the people of Britain and, indeed, many other places around the world.Earlier this week, I returned from a trip to Canada.

I am also mindful of my friend, the late Martin McGuinness, and the genuine connection he developed with the Queen, which was a central part of Sinn Féin's commitment to reconciliation and outreach to the broad Unionist family throughout all of Ireland. In that spirit of reconciliation that was reflected in the exchanges between Martin and Queen Elizabeth, I acknowledge her support for the peace process and, in particular, during her historic visit to Ireland; for her remarks that she wished things had been done differently; for the respect she showed in the Garden of Remembrance when bowing her head to those who died for Ireland's freedom; and for the respect she displayed towards an Ghaeilge, the Irish language. These are all important moments in our peace and reconciliation processes. In the past 24 hours, at Hillsborough Castle we have seen even more historic moments develop and take place in the changed, and changing, relationships between Ireland and Britain. That is to be welcomed and encouraged, and will no doubt continue in the time ahead.

I want to mention, on a personal level, the passing of a well-known, respected and committed Republican Irish language and women's rights activist, Donncha Mac Niallais. He was centrally involved in the development of the Irish language in the city of Derry and throughout the county. He was associated with the Irish language education sectors. The Alliance for Choice Derry, after Donncha's passing, said this week that he was a committed champion for a woman's right to choose for many years. He was also a former Republican prisoner and was a dedicated proponent of our peace and political processes.

I welcome the period of consultation that was carried out by the Seanad Public Consultation Committee on Ireland's constitutional future. I thank all of those who took the time to make submissions to that initiative. I look forward to the work of the committee, hearing people's views and engaging with those views across the spectrum, no matter where they fall on the question.

It is under sad circumstances that the ambassador is here, but in acknowledging this sad occasion I also acknowledge the election of the new British Prime Minister, Liz Truss. I recognise her appointment and encourage the Irish Government to remain steadfast in ensuring the political relationships between Britain and Ireland are restored and that the Good Friday Agreement must be at the heart of our joint approach. We must ensure that for all the importance of symbolism, the institutions to which we all give support are back up and running and deliver for all our people.