Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail)

Directly after the Order of Business we will be moving a motion of condolence on the passing of His Holiness the Pope. My party, Fianna Fáil, wants to be associated with that. We acknowledge the late Pope's humility and compassion and, above all, his great empathy and understanding.

Since we met just before Easter, we received an e-mail from the Clerk, Martin Groves, to say he was retiring during the Easter break. I sincerely hope there will be an opportunity to note our appreciation and gratitude for his help and guidance to all of us. Those who are new and those who have been here longer have always very much appreciated Martin's advice and guidance and I hope we will have the opportunity to show that in an appropriate way.

Last night, at the invitation of the Dublin Lord Mayor, Emma Blain, I had the opportunity to go to the Mansion House for an event to celebrate the athletes who represented Ireland in the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy. It was wonderful to be there with the Minister for sport, Deputy Charlie McConalogue, the athletes, their families, the volunteers, and the coaches who were involved in bringing the athletes to the games, and to witness the joy and learning, in particular from some of the coaches who were previously athletes themselves and who have progressed to become coaches in their own sport. That is a wonderful thing. Inclusion is hugely important. The Special Olympics have unified sports involving people with ability and those with disability. They train together and play matches together, in particular soccer, basketball and golf. That is very important. It would be great to have a debate with the Minister for sport about proper inclusion in sport and how all communities can be involved.

Prior to Easter, I had the opportunity to attend my first Inter-Parliamentary Union event. It was extremely interesting. What is significant about this particular one in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, is that a motion was unanimously passed recognising a two-state solution for Palestine and Israel. That was very significant. Amendments were tabled by some countries which did not support it, but it got through. I pay tribute to the former Cathaoirleach, now Minister of State, Deputy Buttimer. He was the rapporteur for this particular report. It is significant that Ireland is leading the way on a two-state solution. It is important to note that and thank all of those who put the work into it.