Geraldine Feeney (Fianna Fail)

I support Senator Ryan's call for a debate on self-regulation. The time is right for such a debate, which would be very useful.

In view of the upcoming commemoration of the 1916 Rising, could the Leader ask the Minister for Defence, Deputy O'Dea, to give some special recognition to the brave women who took part in the rising? We all know and acknowledge the great work and contribution of CountessMarkiewicz. However, other equally brave and fearless women like Dr. Kathleen Lynn, Winifred Carey, Margaret Skinnider and Rose McNamara played an equally important part but, sadly, are largely forgotten. The time is ripe for us as a nation to look for some special recognition for these women. I am sure nobody in this House would disagree that we all talk about the men of 1916 but rarely mention the 50 brave women who took up arms and fought for this great country.