Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)

It is not possible to overstate the importance of commemorating the site of the 1916 Rising. It is even more important because of the terrible situation in which the country now finds itself. In many ways it is as significant an historic crossroads as the one at which we found ourselves in 1916. It is tremendously important that we honour and pay proper tribute to the heroes of 1916, their political determination, vision, bravery and heroism and properly commemorate this memory and protect the site of the last stand of the 1916 rebels precisely to remind us of what political vision, bravery and determination look like at a time when we desperately need them.

The 1916 Easter Rising was the first strike in the foundation of the State. It was also the first strike in the international movement against the horrors of the First World War. It was the beginning of the end of the British Empire, and an inspiration to peoples and movements throughout the world who struck out against colonisation and empire. It is a monument of international significance. Even at the time, the 1916 rebellion echoed across the European continent and beyond. It is very important that we do justice to this memory.

I do not understand why, if the Government states it agrees with the general spirit of the motion, it has proposed an amendment. All the motion proposes is that nothing should be done which would compromise this historic site; that any development which takes place in the area should ensure the proper preservation of the historic site; and it should be developed as an historic quarter. There is no reason for the Government to table an amendment. The details can be debated and discussed with the families and other stakeholders but there does not seem to be anything objectionable in the original motion.

Even in terms of modern economic concerns, it is quite telling how we deal with these matters when we speak about the development of our city centre. Why do people come here? What is it that makes the country attractive to people? Is it building shopping centres and monuments to consumerism or is it precisely our history and our architectural, historical and political heritage? Commemorating this history and heritage properly, sensitively and respectfully will not only pay proper tribute to the rebels of 1916, but it will make Dublin a more attractive place. It will be a boost to tourism at every level. It will be a win for the city and the country. Desecrating this historic site would have the opposite effect.

I appeal to the Government to support the motion. There is no need to amend it. The details can be worked out with all the stakeholders as we move along.

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