Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

The decision to commemorate the first sitting of Dáil Eireann next month is to be welcomed. I hope it will not be confined to a joint meeting of the Houses of the Oireachtas. It is good in itself and will take place in an historic location. It should also be embraced by schools, the media and local communities. It is a reminder of the tenacity of the people and the manner in which we can confront and overcome what seem like insurmountable challenges.

We can also recall the sacrifices of the few for the general good. There is no doubt we have made significant progress and many of the visionaries in those days, if they were with us today, would be delighted to see we have taken our place among the nations of the earth. There is no doubt we face monumental economic challenges. Instead of a cosmetic commemoration, I would like to think we would use it as a rallying point to overcome the difficulties we face.

The old dictum states it is better to light a candle than curse the darkness. Why not have candles lighting throughout the country, with people rallying and working together. The people who suffer at a time like this are those who cannot help themselves and are the most vulnerable. Those who can help and make sacrifices should do so, but it will not happen unless we provide a rallying focus in the country.

I am worried that we are not grappling with the problem in an idealistic way. We are not demonstrating a commitment to the entire community and seeing how we can all help. Nothing traumatises a person more than waking up one day and being told they no longer have a job.