Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I speak in support of this serious and important matter raised by Senator Ó Murchú who tabled the motion. I endorse what was said by Senators Ormonde, Glynn, Daly and colleagues on the other side of the House. Most of us in this House are born to a tradition of the men and women of 1916. I recently read a magnificent book published by the Office of Public Works which outlined in minute detail the experiences of four reverend gentlemen who were very much associated with everything that happened to the men and women of 1916 from the Easter Rising until their death. There is no more important issue as far as I am concerned than to preserve the building in Moore Street.

I am a Member of this House for approximately 30 years. On only two occasions did I sign an objection for planning. I spent my life trying to help families get planning permission in their places of birth in particular, but I had no difficulty in signing the objection when asked by Senator Ó Murchú and other Oireachtas colleagues from the Dáil. I know the area very well. I am a long time in business in the north inner city of Dublin. My family runs a lot of businesses in the area. Now is a timely opportunity for us as Members of the Oireachtas and guardians of the Constitution on behalf of the men and women who created and gave it to us to honour the men and women of 1916. I have no difficulty in doing anything I can to help the Minister and the departmental officials who all wish to help with the important proposal before us. Regardless of where we are after the next general election, in opposition or in government, I will support whatever moves are made in this regard.

The year 1916 is only five short years away. It would be wonderful to celebrate the 100th anniversary with something meaningful being done on this historic site. On 29 April 1916 these men had to make the most difficult decision in their lives. They did it in the interest of saving the lives of many others. In the course of their actions they gave their own lives. To give one's life for that particular cause is the greatest sacrifice anyone can make. Those men and women are the heroes. Their actions have led to our commitment to public life. My commitment to public life is very small compared to the sacrifices of the men and women of 1916. I thank the committee for attending the debate. It is uplifting to be present in the Chamber with the relatives of the men and women of 1916.

Looking back on the past 30 years, the other important occasion on which I was moved was the re-interment in Glasnevin Cemetery of Kevin Barry and his comrades who gave their lives for this country. We are very proud of what they have done. We will never forget them and we hope not to allow future generations to forget them either. I doubt many Oireachtas Members would have made the sacrifice they did in the name of Ireland.