Mark Dearey (Green Party)

There is hardly a more important monument in the country than this, but there are many potential pitfalls around its preservation that could be wounding to our memory of what happened in 1916 if poorly handled. An unseemly squabble for ownership of 1916 would not be appropriate when everyone can claim lineage to it. I claim lineage to it which I will explain briefly. My grandmother Peg Ginnity — a great lady — from Dromiskin was taught by Thomas McDonagh when she studied French and English in UCD, Earlsfort Terrace. Before her death, she recalled distinctly the occasion of his last lecture to her class during Holy Week. When he walked in, there were three candles lit on the lectern. He said that three candles were unlucky and snuffed one out and proceeded with his lecture. That was the last time she saw him. She related that story to me and I and my family cherish it because it gives us a sense of identity, longevity and connection with the start of the State.

I know from families throughout the country that there are similar and far more profound and harrowing stories of courage and bravery to be told. For that reason, it is important that proper thought is given to this monument and that the issue is properly handled. I support Senator Ó Murchú's call for an early meeting at the highest level on the matter and for the centenary committee to be involved. The job of that committee is to appreciate the importance of the memory and history of the site and to honour it and do it justice. The Senator also used the word "desecration", a word normally associated with places of worship. Memory is so sacred and precious that a missed opportunity or poor decision made regarding this site would be a form of desecration because the memories related to it are cherished and sacred.

I support the fine ideas I have heard in terms of the OPW and the involvement of those whose grave responsibility it is to help us remember well. They will help us remember in a way that will allow us repair some of the damage the nation feels at this time. I heard a mental health expert speak on a radio show the other day and he urged people to get back into the clubs, the churches and whatever it is that sustains them or gives meaning to their lives or helps them hold themselves together at a time when so much is being atomised. The 2016 centenary celebration will, if it is properly organised, help provide healing for us all as we seek to find a new identity and sense of belonging and ownership in the country. There are contemporary lessons and gains for us in how this issue is addressed. If done well, it will help preserve the memory and tell the story in a way in which no one will take a proprietary hold of it. It is important that does not happen.

While the physical structures on the site are unprepossessing, that is no reason for us to be snobbish about them or to show a lack of respect. No. 16 is a site where a seminal decision was made in terms of the history of the nation. It is worthwhile for the committee to look at how Berlin has preserved its memories, even very painful ones. There, the memories are interpreted in a way that does not hide or gloss over what happened but allows people to gain a sense of what happened. That sort of work has been done particularly well in Berlin. Context is everything and it is not just about the bricks and mortar of the two or three houses in question here. The context is important, the laneways, the streetscape, the approach, the atmosphere, the ambience and the night lighting. These all matter. I commend the recommendations that have come forward through this worthwhile debate and hope they contribute to a proper, appropriate and respectful restoration and memorial of the people of 1916.