Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I had nothing to do with the shopping centre. Planning permission for it was given by Dublin City Council. It is in private ownership and the site was not a national monument at the time. I want to be clear about having had nothing to do with the shopping centre, as there is misinformation to the effect that we are levelling Moore Street and erecting a shopping centre, which is not a fact.

In reply to Deputy Ó Cuív, I am willing to consider a process whereby people can work together to move this issue forward. It is an important building and I want to see the development of a fitting tribute to the leaders of 1916. I want an open dialogue and am happy to sit down with my Oireachtas colleagues to find a way forward.

Deputy Tóibín mentioned the buildings' price. What price does one put on the national monument where the last council of war was held? It is a very important building. I will provide the Deputy the details on how we arrived at the costings and valuations. As to the banner, I do not know where the idea came from that the nails had damaged the national monument. I do not know anything about that but I will have the matter checked out and revert to the Deputy. I gave permission for the wrap to go around the building. It was erected as part of the 2016 commemorative programme and looked well.

Regarding Deputy Burton's points, I am happy to sit down with my colleagues to consider a way forward.

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