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Orangeman to address Seanad (Irish Senate) Today

For the first time, a senior figure from the Orange Order is to address the Seanad later today.

Drew Nelson, the Grand Secretary of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, will address the House today.

The move follows a unanimous vote by Senators last month to invite Mr Nelson to make the address.

The leaders of the five groups in the Seanad, and a Sinn Féin Senator, will be given time to respond to Mr Nelson's remarks.

In a statement, the Cathaoirleach of the Seanad, Senator Paddy Burke, said the address was "another step on the path to sustained peace and reconciliation on our island".

The Leader of the Seanad, Senator Maurice Cummins, said it would be both momentous and timely.

He added that the address today proves that we have all moved forward in our ideas and ideals since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.