Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

It is right and fitting that we commemorate the rising of 1916. In Killarney the Taoiseach said it was not triumphalist, but a matter of recognising the sacrifice, valour and humanity of those who fought in the rising which was a watershed on the road to independence. As I recall, in 1966 there was a whole year of commemorations of sports, cultural and literary activities. The Taoiseach made the point in Killarney that the commemoration would not be confined to one day. He also said the Government would set up a national committee to oversee the commemoration. This will rightly ensure the consultation to which Senator Brian Hayes referred. I hope there will be no division. The Seanad can play a role in this respect; it is a time for unity.

It is right that the Army should participate. As has been said, it is the inheritor in respect of the sacrifice made by the great people concerned. The people also want this. I had never seen such an outpouring of emotion as at the State funerals for the forgotten ten volunteers, in spite of adverse advance criticism.