Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

This week, Senators Norris and Quinn raised the issue of 1916 and the announcement made at the Fianna Fáil Ard-Fheis by the Taoiseach last weekend. I assumed all party leaders were consulted and cleared this matter in advance of the Taoiseach's speech but I was informed yesterday that this had not happened. Two serious points stem from this decision. First, it was inappropriate to make an announcement on a national day of commemoration at what was a political rally. Second, there is a serious issue concerning the role of the Army. I would have preferred if a decision had been made in consultation with all of the party leaders. Where we commit the Army to a national day of commemoration, it should not be used in a partisan party political way by one party in attempting to show its neo-national credentials against another. It is a serious matter in terms of respect for the Army. I ask that future decisions of this nature be taken with all party leaders in both Houses.

I do not for one moment reject the fact that the 1916 Rising was an important staging post towards Irish independence. However, many other events have not been commemorated such as the establishment of the Irish Free State and the Irish Republic, both of which had democratic legitimacy. The Government should not use the Army as a pawn. We must reconsider this issue and the way in which we commemorate our history in an all-party way.