Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy Ó Snodaigh for his remarks. Perhaps he will advise the Taoiseach along those lines. We served on that Oireachtas committee and I thought it was quite effective whenever it met, which was not too often. The important point for the 1916 commemoration is that it should be inclusive. All Members in this House share roots in 1916. All parties go back to 1916 for their origins. The events of 1916 led to our current Republic and the State. That is the reason we are here. It has major implications for this country and it is important to celebrate in an inclusive, proper and dignified way. We should recognise the major sacrifices made by the people at that time. In hindsight, it looks easy, but we must consider that these people had the courage to take on the most powerful empire at the time when no other nation had done so. This highlights the significance of their achievement. Having established the principle of inclusivity and the importance of celebrating this properly, other issues must be examined. We must do this soon.

I have no problem meeting the people from Moore Street any time. I have some interest in the O'Rahilly, who was a Ballylongford man. I have no problem meeting the group. Some work has been done on the preservation of Moore Street. If at all possible, whatever else needs to be done should be done. I will meet these people whenever Deputy Ó Snodaigh can arrange it.

Other issues must be considered, such as the memorabilia at Collins Barracks that concern 1916. These are not on display. Memorabilia, whether written records or physical objects, must be put on display. The issue of whether the Abbey Theatre should be in the GPO must be resolved. I hope to make an announcement in that regard shortly. We should maximise the opportunities presented by this major event in our history.

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