David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)

I welcome the Leader back to the House.

Our history and heritage are important to us all. In the next few days the Dáil will discuss a motion seeking to protect the national monument at 14-17 Moore Street. The motion has been supported by 50 Members of the Dáil and was part-crafted by the families of the signatories to the 1916 Proclamation. It would be appropriate and worthwhile for this House to have a debate on national monuments and areas of historical significance. The signing of the 1916 Proclamation was a seminal moment in the creation of the State. How ironic would it be, when one would considers it was the relationship between politicians, developers and bankers that destroyed the economy and caused us to lose our sovereignty for which the people mentioned died, if a development on this historical site damaged the ability of Dublin City Council to turn the area into a 1916 historical quarter, which is what it should be? These are not unimportant issues. It is important that we remember and protect our history and heritage as much as possible. I, therefore, ask the Leader to arrange a debate on the broader issue of protecting national monuments and areas of historical significance in such a way that we can use them to attract visitors and tourists to the country. Many of those who come to Dublin and travel to various parts of the country visit historical sites which we should preserve and protect. I ask all parties in the House to support the motion that will be debated in the Dáil in the next few days, but we could also play our part by having a debate on this important issue.