Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I have raised that matter with the Leader and I agree the debate will require more time if possible. Senator Norris has raised the issue of the Shot at Dawn Campaign several times and will have something to say on it today. It is worthwhile to remind ourselves of the First World War. At the weekend, I heard the story of the last surviving British soldier who played football between the trenches with his German counterparts. He still carries a cigarette box he received as a gift from one of the Germans against whom he was once more engaged in battle the following day. That was not an official ceasefire but something the soldiers on both sides undertook against orders. It corresponds to the point made by Senator Brian Hayes in that these soldiers were acting on conscience. Such people were not cowards and received the support of many, including Thomas Kettle, the Irish intellectual, writer and poet. Many recent books, including Sebastian Barry's A Long, Long Way, nominated for the Man Booker prize this year, and those of Sebastian Faulks deal with the First World War. We must remember and acknowledge what was done in our name.

Some ten years ago, the then Taoiseach, Charles Haughey, came to this House and proposed a Bill to create a national monument of na Blascaoid — An Blascaod Mór, go díreach. Idir an dá linn, bhí deacrachtaí ann, but it did not become a national monument because there was a challenge in the courts. Yesterday, however, I was taken aback to discover that a question answered in the other House indicates that the Government has no plan to declare the Blasket Islands a monument. Notwithstanding that the relevant legislation has been struck down, this seems to reflect a major turnabout in Government policy.

In this regard, I would appreciate a discussion with the Office of Public Works about developments on the islands. According to information imparted yesterday in the Dáil, it seems the OPW plans to buy the land, thus bringing it into State ownership. What is the intention if it is not to become a national park? There are certain monuments there, including the home of Peig Sayers, which must be considered. Will the Leader clarify the situation regarding the new report on the management of the island? I understand it will be presented to the Government but has not been agreed to by all the stakeholders and landholders on the island. I call for a discussion with the OPW on the Government's proposals for An Blascaod Mór as seo amach.