Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I support the call by Senator David Cullinane for a proper commemoration of the 1913 Lock-out, a seminal event in our history. In particular, I commend the Senator's excellent proposal that the leaders of the trade union movement and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions address the House as a fitting way to commemorate the event. I have highlighted on many occasions the responsible role played by congress in tacking the economic crisis. It is unfortunate that we have reached something of an impasse in respect of Croke Park II, but I am confident that the trade union movement will put the good of the nation first, as it always has.

I also commend the GRA for an excellent annual conference and support the call by Senator Cáit Keane for pay levels in the Garda Síochána to be considered by an independent commission in the same way as the pay levels of members of the Judiciary are considered. That would be much fairer and give relief to gardaí, many of whom are suffering from very serious personal insolvency and financial difficulties.

I commend the Minister for Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht Affairs for agreeing to sanction investigative work on the wreck of the Lusitania which, as we all know, sank in 1915 with huge loss of life. Its sinking has remained a controversial issue ever since regarding the question of whether it was carrying military ordinance. In co-operation with the legal owner of the wreck, an American gentleman called Mr. Bemis, the Minister has agreed to some of the artefacts being put on display in a museum. The investigation should throw some light on a subject that has puzzled us for many years.