Conor Murphy (Sinn Fein)

I move:

That Seanad Éireann:

recognises that: - the reunification of Ireland is an objective of Bunreacht na hÉireann; and

- there is a growing national discussion around constitutional change with people from diverse backgrounds now exploring the possibility of Irish unity; notes that: - the Good Friday Agreement 1998 provides the democratic and peaceful means to achieve reunification through the provision of unity referendums; and

- the significant Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement report, "Perspectives on Constitutional Change: Finance and Economics", which recommends the establishment of Citizen Assemblies and other relevant forums, a designated Joint Oireachtas Committee and a Government Department to take responsibility for planning and preparing for constitutional change, received cross-party support; and calls on the Irish Government to plan and prepare for Irish unity through the following actions: - establish an all-island representative Citizens' Assembly or Assemblies, to allow for informed debate, and a Joint Oireachtas Committee on Irish Unity to enable careful planning;

- produce and publish a plan towards Irish unity in conjunction with civic society and key stakeholders;

- engage with northern protestant and unionist opinion about the future of Ireland; and

- work to secure a date for the referendums on unity provided for in the Good Friday Agreement.