David Norris (Independent)

History is in the air. Yesterday, we had an interesting discussion on the acquisition of an historical document, the national anthem. Today's newspapers report that a member of the public has very generously given an original copy of the 1916 Proclamation to the National Museum. This should be commended because the document could have fetched more than €390,000. The generosity of the McCrossan family should be applauded. Mr. McCrossan's father had an honourable connection with this House as Oireachtas librarian. It was a very remarkable thing to do.

Unfortunately, the State has not always acted with generosity towards its own soldiers. Will the Deputy Leader raise with the Minister for Defence the possibility of recognising the courage, valour and service of solders of the State during the period 1922-24? They have never received a commemorative medal because there was a civil war. It is about time we put the divisions of the Civil War behind us and recognised the service given by these brave people to our country. We should also welcome the establishment of an inquiry by the Minister for Defence into the need to give recognition to the two surviving Army members of the Niemba massacre in the form of medals. This matter was also raised by one of the staff of the House, Mr. O'Donoghue, and it should be welcomed.

I refer to the Marino College of Education case, which was raised yesterday. I listened to the Minister for Education and Science on the radio earlier and she gave a remarkably fine performance. We, on this side of the House, do not give credit often enough to Ministers. Deputy Hanafin is quite the best Minister in Government. She handled this difficult issue with tact, diplomacy and skill, considering she could have been tempted to take a whack at the authors of the report but she avoided that. She praised the work of the college and dealt with the issue with decency, diplomacy and tact. She has acted on many of the requests made in the House such as providing medical education at university level, providing additional special education teachers, speech therapists and so on. We should recognise this and say, "Well done", to her.

I agree with Senator O'Toole's comments on the tragic murder that took place in recent days. I very much hope, for the sake of everybody involved, including the Garda, that the suspect's interview was videotaped so there should be no suggestion whatever that undue pressure was a contributory factor in his death.