Mark Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Professor Harvey for his work on this important issue. It has come at no small personal cost to himself in terms of the opposition that he faces. We all are aware of that.

Before I bring in the next speaker, I welcome to the Distinguished Visitors' Gallery two people who brought great pride and joy to Ireland in totally different fields: Rob Kearney, who has graced many a field around the world and brought great joy and pride to Ireland wearing the jersey of Ireland; and Diarmuid Gavin, who has been involved in many projects down through the years and has brought great joy to many people in the world of landscape artistry and gardening. Mr. Gavin and myself worked on a project together where, in 2016, we came up with the concept of gardens of remembrance and reflection named after the seven signatories. Diarmuid designed all the seven different types of gardens, which had three elements in common - a flagpole for the national flag, a replica of the 1916 Proclamation and seven trees for the seven signatories. It has not been replicated anywhere in the world. Three hundred and sixty-five gardens were installed in one year to commemorate all the men and women who served in the 1916 Rising and were part of our greatest generation. Having done so much for Ireland and brought so much joy to so many people, I am delighted that both of them are here today. I thank them for being present

We will now go on to the next contributor, who is the other Mr. Paul Farrell.