Rónán Mullen (Independent)

I support what Senator O'Reilly just said. The Government has said it is required to implement the European framework decision on combating racism and xenophobia. If it had implemented that alone – no more and no less – we would not have had the controversies we had over the legislation last year. We will test the Government on the extent to which it simply implements the European framework decision in what it may propose in the future. If it is to go much further, as it did last year, it can expect similarly strong opposition from across society and certainly in this House.

I join those who have paid tribute to the great man, Brother Kevin Crowley. I was very honoured to have been involved in 2018 when the then Ceann Comhairle, Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl, presented him with the Oireachtas Human Dignity Award. Brother Kevin was a follower of the Poor Man of Assisi, Il Poverello, St. Francis of Assisi, who in his life of poverty and embrace of poverty and simplicity revolutionised not just the church but also the entirety of western society. Brother Kevin and his Capuchin followers, since the foundation of the Capuchin Day Centre in 1969, have exemplified that commitment to simple living and, from that place of simplicity and love, have contributed to the lives of others, particularly the most vulnerable, responding at all times to the emerging problems in Irish society.Whether it was caring for people discharged from residential care in the seventies who had no social supports or looking after the new poor who became stranded with unpayable debts after the collapse of the banks in 2008, the Capuchins followed the times and addressed the problems of the times. Back in 2018, we celebrated more than 50 years of their heroism. That legacy continues through the good work of Br. Kevin's colleagues in the Capuchin order. It is to them in particular that we should all extend our sincere sympathies today. We must commend and continue to support them in the vital work they do for the poor of our society.