Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)

I thank the Taoiseach for his answer. It is clear that his commitment is to make available all records. That is as it should be. I realise the Taoiseach made this commitment previously and plans are underway for the all-party committee for the commemorative events leading to 2016. The issue of the personal effects and records held, as the Taoiseach put it, wherever they may be, is important, especially those in Britain. History not only in this country but elsewhere reflects that when control was being taken from them in different countries, the British authorities took vast amounts of information, documentary and otherwise. It would be a pity if we were to mark the centenary of the 1916 Rising without having made every possible effort to ensure the repatriation of any documents or personal effects of the leaders of that time. The Taoiseach has been cautious in how he has couched his response on that score. I call on him to raise the matter again with the British Prime Minister. It could be raised as a matter of goodwill. I am sure they will be aware of the historic times that are to be commemorated in the coming years.

I take the opportunity to raise again the issue of 16 Moore Street and the proposed national monument site which, I understand, the Taoiseach visited and which is in a bad state of repair. The Taoiseach is aware that the Save 16 Moore Street campaign has been vocal on the issue. All who know the city well are aware that this quarter is ripe for development, that it would make an ideal revolutionary quarter and that it could add another tourist hub to the capital city. Above all, it would be an appropriate marker or flagship event for the centenary celebration. However, for this to happen we need the commitment of Government in addition to Dublin City Council. Will the Taoiseach indicate today if he is prepared to make a commitment to such a project?

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