On behalf of Sinn Féin, I extend my thanks to the Leas-Cheann Comhairle, the Ceann Comhairle and all of the people who sit in the Chair for their contributions to the efficient running of the House. I also offer a special thanks to the ushers and the administrative and support staff who keep this place running, often at very family unfriendly hours. They do so with great heart, spirit and tolerance of us, as politicians who work here. I hope everyone gets to enjoy some rest and relaxation over the holiday period.

Today, 11 July, is a day when many in the loyalist and unionist communities on our island light bonfires to mark the anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne. Many of these events pass off without any great disruption to people's lives but, in some areas, there are sure to be, as ever, incidents of hate crimes with election posters belonging to representatives of Sinn Féin, the SDLP and the Alliance Party of Northern Ireland being burned. In some instances, effigies of Sinn Féin representatives have been hung on these bonfires and the Tricolour is regularly burned on bonfires in some parts of the North.

These incidents would be considered hate crimes in anybody's book and so-called cultural expression cannot be an excuse for some of the behaviour witnessed over the period around 12 July. I ask the Tánaiste to join me in condemning all acts of hatred and sectarianism and in calling on the leadership of the Orange Order, other loyal orders and political unionism to take a stand against these kinds of acts.

This is a sensitive time of year in Northern Ireland, as the Deputy knows well. Today is the eve of 12 July which, particularly for many in the unionist community, is a period of recognition of tradition, identity and many other emotive and powerful influences within communities. There is a responsibility on all of us and all communities in Northern Ireland to ensure that expression of identity does not spill over into hatred and sectarianism and that communities are protected during these activities. There is a responsibility on all parties to ensure that there are not overreactions and we all work to soften language, rather than harden it, and that when acts take place that should not, we do not respond in a way that charges up the temperature rather than defuses it.

There is serious work to do in Northern Ireland in the coming days and weeks to re-establish a functioning, devolved government in Stormont and the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement. The tensions that may exist over the next 24 hours or so might make that more difficult but we need to ensure that the next few days are managed as best they can be so we can respond in the most appropriate way possible to those who may look to instil hatred and violence in Northern Ireland and that is to make politics work. Northern Ireland needs functioning devolved institutions more than ever now than in the past 20 years. I look forward to visiting Belfast next week, to work with all the parties to try and bring good news to the people in Northern Ireland who need it.