Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

These commemorations must be inclusive rather than exclusive. People must engage in dialogue. Before 29 September, a critical situation was averted by the dialogue initiated by the First Minister and Deputy First Minister with the communities that were involved and by talking about the difficult issues that had to be overcome. This is the lesson that must be learned with regard to other commemorations. Everyone must be involved.

The Tánaiste is right. The commemorations are not only about conflict. They are about the history of how we came to where we are, as Irish people. That is as important as the conflict. We have commemorated the Ulster Covenant. A Home Rule covenant was signed about that time. There will not be difficulties in commemorating that. Very important commemorations will take place and we need to involve all sections of our community and give them a say and a feeling of belonging to the commemorations.

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