Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

These are the final days of the current Seanad. Many of those present can look back with pride on some of the great debates which took place in the House in recent years. I am particularly pleased that the Leader has made time available to take statements on the national monument at 14 to 16 Moore Street. Everyone is aware that a relatively small number of men and women took a stand during the Easter Rising in 1916. They did so against all the odds and in the face of the might of the British Empire in order that we could gain both our independence and control of our own destiny. It is interesting that a small number of people have again come together in Dublin and established a committee, the purpose of which is to ensure that the Moore Street area will be properly protected and promoted as a national monument with links to the Easter Rising in 1916.

What is particularly interesting about the committee to which I refer is that for the first time since 1916, the descendents of all the leaders have come together to promote the national monument at Moore Street. That is a significant development. I hope that during the statements to be taken later today, Members will bear in mind that we are dealing with such an august issue. I cannot think of anything more appropriate than for Seanad Éireann to discuss 1916, the War of Independence, our identity as a people, the subject of from whence we came and the great vision those involved in the Easter Rising had for this country.

This matter does not merely relate to the past, it also relates to the present and the future. It is not possible to commemorate and celebrate those great patriots without seeking to emulate what they did, for the good of the nation, on the occasion of the Easter Rising. We have an opportunity to work as one people, cohesively and independently, to ensure we will overcome whatever challenges arise for the common good.