Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

-----one would like to see all the information relevant to each of those steps of history available in whatever language people wish. I am not an architect but it is clear that the proposal made was given a decision by the elected representatives of the city council and Nos. 14 to 17 Moore Street are preserved under the national monuments legislation.

We are in a different position than we were a number of years ago in terms of developments and taking into account people's rights in respect of ownership and development under conditions under the Constitution, there could well be a meeting of minds to develop a worthwhile historic quarter, as Deputy Adams indicated, in respect of what was the central location and the culmination of centuries of activity in this country, which culminated in 1916. The point raised by Deputy Adams is beyond any party. The children in the Gallery will read about that in their history books as they learn stair na tíre. It behoves us who are currently the representatives of all the people of the country to reflect on what is best. It is clear that there are requirements and responsibilities on the city council and the planning officials under the planning legislation but its potential speaks for itself both as a tourism entity in its own right, as an historic quarter and as an indication of one small island in the north Atlantic being one of the first countries at the beginning of the previous century to achieve its independence. The issue raised by Deputy Adams will be brought to the attention of the Minister who will be happy to respond to him when we have a debate on the matter in the next fortnight.

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