John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

I support the call for a debate on the 1916 Rising. I come from a republican tradition and I have always understood that the Irishmen who participated in the First World War fought against German imperialism in Europe and those involved in the 1916 Rising fought against British imperialism in Ireland. My primary degree is in history and in the context of the Penguin book of history, we won both the home draw and the away draw. I am glad because the decent people won in both cases. It was better that Germany was defeated because it engaged in an imperialist act and it was also better that we secured our freedom because we have done so much with it and we can do much more.

Will the Leader ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to come to the House to debate our energy policy? The House should examine the Government's strategy to develop our natural resources. The Centre for Public Inquiry recently issued a disingenuous report which stated oil exploration licences have not been granted. Since 1980 the average price of oil has been less than $30 a barrel but the centre accused the Government of handing out licences when they could not be given away. A great deal of money has been invested and I would like a fair and rational debate on our energy policy.