Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Two years ago we had what I would consider an historic debate in this House on the future of Moore Street in Dublin, which has a strong connection with the 1916 Rising. On that occasion relatives of the seven signatories of the Proclamation were in the Visitors Gallery. They were indicating their support to have Moore Street developed as an historic and tourism attraction. Following on that debate I arranged a meeting with the Taoiseach. The Taoiseach assembled officials from several Departments and also from the cultural institutions. In attendance at that meeting were the Moore Street committee and the relatives of the signatories and it was clear that there was goodwill for the prospect of having this work done in time for the centenary of the Rising in 2016.

Last night I watched a programme on TG4 which made disturbing viewing because one of the road blocks to developing that site, and I know the Minister, Deputy Jimmy Deenihan, is committed to it because I walked the site with him, seems to refer to some ownership of that property. That balanced and well-researched programme discovered certain documents which would raise serious questions about the ownership and the way it was transferred from one company to another. That has cast a shadow over Moore Street.

I call on the Leader to ask the Minister to come in and discuss this with us. There is a good deal of disturbance.

I received a letter signed by the relatives of the seven signatories which is in itself a historic letter. Since 1916 they have never connected themselves with any other campaign. They have been associated with nothing and have always remained silent. However, they are keen that we do something to secure what they are looking for in Moore Street and that we arrange a proper commemoration in time for the centenary in 2016.