Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

My question relates to the fittingness of the commemoration of 1916. I quote Professor Diarmaid Ferriter who said:

It would be naive to believe or expect that the current period of commemoration will not be affected by contemporary politics and coloured by who is in power; history illustrates that these have always been factors.

Political capital has been made out of commemorations in the past and there has been political hijacking. The question of a royal presence has been raised and it must be addressed and discussed to ensure that the 1916 commemoration is not hijacked. We deserve a fitting and dignified tribute. To go back to what the Minister said about involving individuals and groups, educators must be included as well as a voice whereby people can give their views.

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