Martin McAleese (Independent)

We are all agreed that the future of this House is uncertain and that its future will be put to the people very soon by way of a referendum. That is democracy at work and it is right. However, that fact should not deflect us who have been either elected or appointed to the 24th Seanad from doing our very best to make the workings of this House relevant to the people.

I have no sense of being on death row. To succumb to that would only lead to paralysis and I am too much of an optimist for that. I support this motion and, in that context, will speak briefly about the coming decade of sensitive centenaries, of which there are many examples. In 1912, the Balmoral review took place in response to the third Home Rule Bill and the Ulster Covenant was signed. In 1913, the great lock-out took place. In 1914 came the formation of the Ulster Volunteer Force and the landing of arms at Donaghadee and Larne. The Easter Rising took place in 1916, followed by the executions, and the battle of the Somme occurred. In 1918 the general election took place. The First Dáil sat in 1919 and the War of Independence began. In 1920 the Government of Ireland Act was passed. The first Northern Ireland Parliament sat in 1921, and the Anglo-Irish Treaty was signed.

It is incumbent on us all, North and South, Unionist and Nationalist, loyalist and republican, to find a collective way to manage the celebration of the events surrounding these centenaries in such a way as to add value to the peace process rather than subtract from it. Undoubtedly, these centenaries present an enormous challenge but, if conducted sensitively, they have the potential to consolidate the peace process fully and give a very precious legacy from this generation to those who will come after us. The first of the centenaries will take place next year and the ways in which it and those following immediately after are celebrated will set the tone for the rest. As the Bishop of Cork, Paul Colton, stated recently, a broad and generous perspective needs to be taken in commemorating the full spectrum of these centenaries.

Good work has been done in the past 18 months by the Ulster centenary committee which has linked into work already under way in the Department of the Taoiseach. However, that work would benefit from additional input from the Nationalist-republican tradition, particularly in Northern Ireland, and from within loyalism. For the decade of centenaries to enhance relationships on this island, there is a need for an integrated approach, considerable mutual generosity and full acknowledgment of parity of esteem.

This Chamber can have a role in, first, promoting a general awareness of the sensitivities of these centenaries and, second, supporting and encouraging those who will play crucial roles in ensuring the related celebrations consolidate peace and reconciliation between the two traditions on this island, the Unionist and the Nationalist. To that end, this House could be briefed by, for example, the likes of the chair of the Somme Association and by reputable historians who have a particular interest in the history of this period which would put this Chamber in a very strong and informed position to make its own contribution to the success of these celebrations and to engage confidently with those who are pivotal in ensuring that success.