Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I thank the Minister of State for his words. I was unaware that the Taoiseach spoke on this matter in May. I am pleased that he acknowledged it. I am delighted to hear mention of Frank Aiken. He was a good friend of my father and visited our house on many occasions as I grew up. This matter costs nothing but is a question of publicising the commemoration, either on 6 August, Hiroshima Day, or 9 August, Nagasaki Day.

I was impressed by the words of Mr. Barroso. I raised this issue because young people do not realise the benefits we accrued from a united Europe. We have not experienced war. Mr. Barroso discussed events which took place 60 years ago, referring to Auschwitz rather than Nagasaki. He also referred to the circumstances which obtained 30 years ago in Greece, Spain and Portugal, the domination 15 years ago of Poland and Czechoslovakia by the monolith of Soviet Russia and the other problems we have experienced. The benefit of having a united Europe is a reminder to young people of the past.

The Taoiseach and Minister of State should pursue any opportunity to remind people. I had a number of opportunities to go to Japan but did not visit Hiroshima or Nagasaki. I am aware that the Japanese are a peace loving people. They are very quiet and it is hard to understand their experiences in the last World War. Let us ensure that we show them our solidarity. I urge the Minister of State to take every opportunity to encourage people to recognise that occasion.