John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In order to avoid any ambiguity with regard to my view and my position with regard to 1916, this is the Committee of Public Accounts and a lot of money is being spent this year with a lot more to be spent next year. I believe that equal weight should be given when it comes to commemorating British soldiers, RIC men, volunteers and civilians, who were casualties in the Easter Rising. I will let people make their own interpretations after the fact.

I refer again to Mount Street Bridge and the 28 Sherwood Foresters - boys - who were killed in that action. It is my opinion that they were victims of British military mistakes because they could have been sent around to Baggot Street but instead they were sent into a hail of bullets. In my book they, too, were victims. However, I think it will require additional leadership from the Secretary General and his officials in this case because I can smell and sense political correctness and an air brushing of history coming into this already. I believe this will require a little difference of emphasis from the Secretary General and his officials.

I am disappointed that with all the money we are spending, the Secretary General is unable to mention one specific project or initiative. I commend the great work done by Joe Duffy. The Secretary General knows where I am coming from in this regard. From what I have seen, read and heard, I think it is valid, so far. I do not mean to take anything away from those fine historians on that committee and the people involved but I think the point I have made is important.