Seanad debates

Wednesday, 8 February 2023

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

 

1:00 pm

Photo of Joe O'ReillyJoe O'Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I had two meetings today pertaining to Northern Ireland. One was with some party colleagues and one alone. It provoked in me the idea of raising this matter. However, before I do so I will concur with the remarks Senator Ó Donnghaile made about the Supreme Court ruling today.

The issue I will raise relates to sports capital grants and other forms of support or community grants which the Government dispenses on a regular basis and with great effect. I would like to see a condition built into all those grants that evidence of interaction with Northern Ireland must be shown. In the case of a sports club, such evidence would be of having played some challenge matches, gone to Northern Ireland or hosted a team from Northern Ireland. In the case of a community, it would involve evidence of linking with another community. In other cases, it would show linkage. The real way we will build unity is by building trust through mutual contact and interaction between people. With that in mind, these grants present a tremendous opportunity as they are so sought after. It will not only enhance the experiences of the members of the recipient clubs, but will also contribute to our national ambition to bring about an agreed unity of our country. That is a practical step. I have advocated it before, but my meetings earlier today provoked in me the idea I might advocate it once more.

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