Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

During the lifetime of the last Seanad, I raised the issue of No. 16 Moore Street, Dublin, which is a building of major historical significance. It is the building to which the leaders of the 1916 Rising retired to prepare the surrender plans, so it could be the equivalent of the Alamo. As a result of publicity at that time, we were given to understand that the Government and the appropriate authority would accord full and proper national monument status to the building. In recent times, however, I have seen suggestions that, as a result of a proposed commercial development in this area, that status may be diminished. I notice that a grandson of James Connolly, one of the 1916 leaders, expressed his concerns in this regard.

In 2016, we will celebrate and commemorate the centenary of the 1916 Rising — I understand that plans are already being prepared for that occasion. If the monument at No. 16 Moore Street is not accorded the status, which we understood it would be, we will feel ashamed to commemorate 1916. I ask the appropriate Minister to assure us that, even with this proposed commercial development, there is no danger that No. 16 Moore Street and the adjoining buildings will be interfered with in any way.