Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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The Chairman and Senator Leyden referred to John H. Foley. It is fitting that we will commemorate the 200th anniversary of his birth in May. Like Deputy Mitchell, I agree with the Chairman's recommendation and I believe we should find out who owns the statue. The statue was moved to facilitate the creation of the obelisk commemorating Collins, Griffith and O'Higgins which, quite rightly, has a place of pre-eminence in the primary location. The petition is inadmissible but, in conjunction with the OPW and the Houses of the Oireachtas, could we consider perhaps relocating the statue? From my historical research, and I thank Senator Norris in this regard, Prince Albert was a progressive social reformer. Like Deputy Mitchell, I am a proud republican nationalist but Prince Albert strongly opposed slavery and child labour. He wanted to increase the working age. He was present at the Great Industrial Exhibition of 1853 in the grounds of Leinster House, which was owned by the RDS at the time. While some people might think the debate we are having is frivolous, it is appropriate on the 200th anniversary of the birth of John H. Foley to consider where we could put the statue. I accept that some might find memorials to the past difficult to understand and to appreciate, but we cannot ignore our past. We should embrace it and move forward. I support the Chairman. We have given the petition a very fair hearing and I commend the Chairman on allowing that to happen. Equally, perhaps as a side issue and bearing in mind what Deputy Mitchell said, we could look at how we could relocate the statute as part of the refurbishment of the House. Deputy Mitchell is right that it is not visible from the gate on Merrion Square so perhaps we should consider relocating it as well.