Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)

The year 1916 was a milestone in our history and 2016 would be an ideal time to showcase not only a new cultural quarter but also the ideals and sacrifices of our ancestors in a meaningful way. The 1916 Rising encapsulates a very important part of my Irishness. This Irishness is not the superficial "wrap the green flag around me" nationalism that has so often been represented by the opportunists who have frequented this House. It is the pursuit of justice and freedom which was a beacon to the people of the world sending the message that no matter where or how downtrodden or outnumbered people are the base desire to say that they are free and equal will never be quenched. It sends the message that their struggle can strike a mighty blow, weakening the chains of imperialism and capitalism around the world for all people. That beacon was not forgotten. The spirit of the men and women of 1916 inspired the people of Vietnam, Russia and Cuba. It inspired black leaders in America and the beaten and brutalised of the Bogside in Derry and the ghettoes of Belfast - and it still inspires.

Every year thousands of people commemorate this event. They commemorate men and women who struck for freedom against the biggest empire on the earth, which cut down its enemies with great indecency and little thought. They were heroes who fought for a better Ireland against their own self-interest - a lesson well remembered today. In particular we must remember the role of the women of 1916 who fought alongside their male comrades as equals. This memory, while strong in many, is in danger. Many people would have a better chance of naming the starting 11 for Manchester United than the seven signatories. Worse still the ideals they held are being betrayed at every turn and the Republic for which they fought can often seem far from our grasp.

I have not given up, but I am lucky in having a very real link to these great people as a grandson of two veterans who fought that noble fight. I will never forget the stories that struck me as a child and remain with me. Young people today do not have this great resource. The last veterans have long since passed away. We must at least do this service for the heroes of Easter 1916 and not demolish all traces of their words, thoughts and deeds. I have toured the battle site with the wonderful people involved in the campaign to save Moore Street. I encourage anyone who has not done that to do so. I have seen their excellent plan for the 1916 quarter, which would be the pride of Dublin and Ireland. I am proud to come from Dublin, a city with a true revolutionary history and home to great men and women, such as Connolly, Pearse, Markievicz and many others. I would be proud to bring people from around the world to this city's centre to show them our history. At present such a place is sorely lacking. We must rectify this, the first step being to save Moore Street. The creation of a cultural quarter, with museums and workshops, would be a mecca for tourists and the people of this country to visit. Molaim an rún seo.

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