Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I propose to share time with Deputies Clare Daly and Mick Wallace. I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me to speak on this important motion on the preservation of Nos. 14-17 Moore Street, Dublin. I thank my colleagues for supporting the motion, which is a glorious opportunity to preserve something from our past, reflect on the aims and aspirations of the men and women of 1916 and use the monument to build and develop the future of this great island of ours. The future should be about equality, inclusion, social justice and an end to the mindset that sadly exists of keeping our people divided. We have much work to do and respecting diversity and difference must be at the heart of any new Ireland. This monument and street are part of that culture. The buildings are of national importance from a historical and cultural point of view but also as a project to raise public awareness and the huge potential of cultural tourism and jobs. The shared history, built on equality and independence, is part of who we are and we should never forget it.

It is also an opportunity to reflect on where we are now. As we look deep into our hearts, we can ask ourselves if the men and women of 1916 would be proud of what is going on in this country today. Sadly, the answer is "No". However, that does not mean we cannot change it and the motion can be used as a game changer to instil political and economic patriotism in our children and future generations on this island.

I am one of the people who do not accept that Ireland ends at Donegal or Dundalk. Sadly, too many in this House live with that mindset, believing that a divided Ireland is okay. We must examine this and we should be proud of who we are and unite to build up this great country.

I acknowledge the hard work of the relatives of the signatories to the 1916 Proclamation of independence in raising public awareness of the importance of these historic buildings and the historic area of our capital city and in securing the designation of the national monument. I view with serious concern the deterioration of the national monument, which has languished in a vacant and neglected state for many years and the potential threat to it under a current planning application.

I urge all Deputies to support this motion, which is about our heritage, history, commonsense, the potential for jobs and, above all, doing something noble and historic for the future of the people of this island.

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