Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I just want to add one final point. This year, last year and the year before, this House spent hundreds of thousands of euro on the commemorations of people who are historical icons for this country. For example, a significant amount of money was spent at the Béal na Bláth commemoration for Michael Collins, and rightly so, because of the heritage that is there, in terms of winning for our country. However, there is history that is actually here and now, that our Government is not looking at as part of the commemorations. These buildings across the country could have been safe houses. They have their own story and are part of the same history that we have just commemorated in different stages, yet we are not protecting them. We need to look at the properties that were there during that times and before then. We need to look at the families who lived in those houses, during the period we are commemorating, and who are not here today. They are equally as iconic. We are failing to protect them. If we want to put things on a par with one another, the houses and families who lived there are equally as important in the history of the State. They should be part of the commemorations of those living at that time. I believe we should invite the Minister in to discuss the matter. The Government should think long and hard about protecting these houses.