Alex White (Labour)

Perhaps the debate could be organised after the budget. It is something that would wait a few weeks. This summer, I went to the valley of the Somme and visited the grave of a granduncle of mine who was killed in the First World War. I am sure many people in this Chamber have a similar knowledge of people who were killed in that battle. We are reminded of it today more than any other day. We should have a debate in this House, and not simply about the First World War and the Irish participation in it, in view of the lead-up to the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Rising, an iconic and important occasion during which major sacrifices were made for the country and its future. We are reminded of that in many ways by the difficulties we are in as a nation and the question mark over our very survival as a State. The 1916 Rising is something we should commemorate appropriately, not simply with the standard public events but in a much more innovative and lasting way. As my party leader has pointed out, many things occurred during the period up to 1916, not least the formation of the party of which I am proud to be a member. Senator O'Toole spoke about things that could unite the country. Is there a narrative that would combine both these iconic events in our history? The anniversary of the Rising is six years away, which is not too far for us to start deciding on an appropriate way to commemorate these major events. I ask for a debate on this.