ST. PATRICK'S DAY

That this House calls on the Government to bring forward legislative proposals to provide for St Patrick's Day, 17 March, to become an annual public holiday in Northern Ireland; recognises that a shared celebration of St Patrick, as a common symbol for all the people of Northern Ireland regardless of faith, belief or background, would play an important role in reconciliation; and acknowledges the deep historical, cultural and religious significance of Ireland’s patron saint, whose teaching and life forms a universal example espoused by all Christian traditions.