Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)

I welcome the comments made recently by the Minister's colleague, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Leo Varadkar.

In the run-up to 2016 we are presented with a unique opportunity to protect and preserve this site. This issue has come up time and again in questions to the Minister since my election to the House. It is very important, not only to people in this country but also all over the world. Does the Minister agree that the proposed development would effectively destroy the national monument and the potential to turn Moore Street into an historic quarter of international significance, with huge economic and tourism benefits? Does he also agree that the single most appropriate proposal for the site, in terms of our history, heritage, culture, tourism and the economy involves the creation of a landmark historical quarter, as proposed by the families of the 1916 leaders, one which incorporates the GPO and the surrounding lanes which acted as the battleground in Easter week 1916, a defining period in the country's history? Does he agree with the proposal and will he commit, with the help of others, including my party, Sinn Féin, to making it a reality?

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Leo Varadkar, said he would ask Tourism Ireland to examine the matter. Will the Minister, Deputy Jimmy Deenihan, confirm that will happen?

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