Dominic Hannigan (Labour)

I join Senator Ó Murchú in calling for a debate on the commemoration of the 1916 Rising. I was fortunate enough to spend some hours today with the grandson of James Connolly and the great-niece of Joseph Plunkett as they made history come alive in the streets around the GPO. These streets that withstood the bombardment of guns in 1916 are now under threat from developers. I seek a debate on how, as a nation, we should move to protect this historic area which is part of our culture. I would like the debate to be widened to consider other ways of commemorating not alone the 1916 Rising but also the period up to 1922, including events at Ballykinler camp. We might include the comments made by Senator Fitzgerald who spoke about the social dividend in the context of NAMA. There might be properties we could take over and use in commemorating the 1916 Rising. I ask that the debate take place as soon as possible.