Dáil debates
Thursday, 9 June 2016
Public Holidays (Lá na Poblachta) Bill 2016: First Stage
11:25 am
Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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I move:
That leave be granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to provide for the amendment of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 and establishment of a body to be known as Bord Lá na Poblachta and for related matters.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Is the Bill opposed?
Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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No.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Since this is a Private Members' Bill, Second Stage must, under Standing Orders, be taken in Private Members' time.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Tairgim: "Go dtógfar an Bille in am Comhaltaí Príobháideacha."
Given the major and seemingly insatiable public interest in the various 1916 commemorations which we have seen, organised throughout the country and abroad by local and national organisations, by parties and by the Government, it would be appropriate that we would designate a day annually as "Lá na Poblachta" on 24 April to honour the ideals of the Proclamation of the Irish Republic. Events would be organised on that day throughout the Thirty-two Counties and it would be designated a public holiday to help facilitate public participation in those events.
The acceptance of my Bill would also encourage the study of the Proclamation and the ideals contained within it and of citizenship. It would also mean helping and encouraging the study of that period as a whole. It would be appropriate, given the year we have had, that 24 April 1916 be remembered on this day, the day the Proclamation of the Irish Republic was read at the GPO 100 years ago.