Maire Devine (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We have heard a great deal this morning about the history surrounding our national anthem. Does the Minister of State, Deputy D'Arcy, agree that devising guidelines and criteria would be more useful than introducing legislation? Will he confirm that this is the direction in which he is moving? I take this opportunity to point out to him that the website of the Department of the Taoiseach needs some tweaking as some of the historical details it contains are incorrect.

We are here today to secure and strengthen the national anthem in whichever way is deemed best as a consequence of this consultation. Dr. Eoin O'Dell made a very clear, concise and impressively knowledgeable case for legislation as opposed to copyright. It is vital that the anthem be kept in the public domain but that we have safeguards in place to ensure it is respected and not used for commercial purposes. That is the focus of our concerns. Will Ms Hazel Tunney clarify whether the anthem could be included under the World Intellectual Property Organization, WIPO, framework, or if that body can deal only with emblems?.

I welcome the pupils from Bishopstown community college, which I visited last year. One of my proudest moments was attending the dawn events which took place outside Kilmainham Gaol on several dates last May to commemorate the executed leaders of 1916. I am distraught that members of the deaf community cannot share in the passion that connects us all not just locally and nationally, but around the world, when we hear the words of the anthem. We must ensure it is translated into Irish Sign Language so that all our citizens may enjoy the lyrics that are a source of pride for this country.

I love the name of the Eureka secondary school and I wish its pupils well in the move next year to a new premises. I thank Ms Emily-Jo White and Ms Alex Martin for their contributions.