Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

I compliment the Irish Independent on publishing a fine supplement on the 1916 Rising today. It is indicative of a growing interest in this period of our history. In addition, we are preparing a comprehensive programme to mark the centenary of the Rising in six years' time. In that context, I refer again to the building at 16 Moore Street where the 1916 leaders made their final stand. I am worried that it will not be preserved or restored, as it should be, in memory of the great men and women of 1916. I understand planning permission has been obtained for a particular development. Government intervention is now required because as we work towards marking the centenary all of these issues will take centre stage. A particular 1916 leader has been forgotten. I am referring to Tom Clarke, the first signatory of the 1916 Proclamation. It is important that we find a major project to be named after him. I suggest Dublin Airport would be ideal for this purpose. One must bear in mind that in America there are JFK and O'Hare airports, while in France there is Charles de Gaulle Airport. There are many similar examples throughout the world. The Government should be asked to consider honouring the memory of Tom Clarke by naming Dublin Airport after him. I have no doubt this proposal would be met by much goodwill. Since we restarted the national commemoration of the events of 1916, there has been a growing interest, not just among people of a certain age but also among young people.

Perhaps the Leader could take up these two issues on my behalf.