Derek Nolan (Galway West, Labour)

I am happy to speak on this motion, whose signatories meant well. It is unfortunate, however, that we are getting two separate motions - one from the proposers and a Government amendment. It is clear that the motion cannot be an agreed one because constitutional rights to property, planning and legislative issues are also involved in this matter. It would, however, be a sensible and conciliatory approach to accept the Minister's offer, which he made yesterday in good faith, to have discussions to facilitate a solution. If we had a unifying motion, rather than a divisive one, it would take the nasty sting out of this question.

The buildings in Moore Street are in an appalling state at the moment. It does not seem right that a country which had so much wealth for so long would disregard a site of such national historic importance and allow it to become run down. It shows that while there may have been wealth here over the past 15 years, values were not upheld.

Up to 2023, we will be marking a decade of centenaries, including the Civil War. There will be a real opportunity for us to discuss our history and Irish politics generally. Ireland has a unique and interesting history, which is detailed, layered and multifaceted, and in which various strands of society collided against one another over a long period.

Based on my own experience of the Irish education system, we have always been quick to take one aspect of a historical moment, while not defining it in any concrete or realistic way. The 1916 Rising was not a popular revolt, it was decried by the average person in the street. We forget that when we teach history, but that tells us something about ourselves and our country. We must be honest about it and not pretend that everyone marched in the streets in 1916. The general public castigated those who participated in the Rising. It was only afterwards, when the executions took place, that public opinion started to turn. Similarly, 1916 cannot be viewed in isolation from the First World War, the British parliamentary system, the home rule movement and the collapse of Parnell's reputation in the years before.

The Moore Street buildings and the 1916 celebrations generally offer us a wonderful opportunity to have a detailed and educational look at our history. Rather than taking a tokenistic or glossy view of one interesting example, we should examine the period in detail and learn about the real history of this island.

When we are celebrating 1916, we should not forget places outside Dublin which also participated in the Rising. Speaking as a representative of Galway West, I would refer specifically to the uprising that took place in Oranmore where the barracks was attacked. The fighting subsequently continued in Athenry, where the great Liam Mellows was involved. Let us therefore have a broad, rich and detailed understanding of our past. We should try to learn from the people of 1916, rather than celebrating some fantasy notion. It would be better to dedicate such an effort to the memories of those who died, rather than seeking some cheap and easy political answer.

See this speech in context