Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire inniu. Tá áthas orm go bhfuil seans agam an clár cuimhneacháin a phlé. Is mór an chabhair é an cur i láthair a rinne an tAire anseo inniu. Tugann sé seans dúinn ár dtuairimí féin a nochtadh.

I welcome the Minister and thank him for outlining the progress being made in respect of the decade of commemorations. That the commemorations cover such a long period of Irish history underlines how ancient a nation we are. There is not a part of the world where the Irish footprint cannot be seen. Irish missioners travelled abroad where they helped to develop education and medical systems and many Irish people were involved in emerging legislatures throughout the world. We did not colonise any other country, which gives us a special status.

The Minister is correct that commemorations should be about more than focusing on the immediate event. They should help us to understand who we are as a people, establish our national identity and set out our vision for the future and how we will fit into the world context. All of these things are part of our highly diverse story. Interestingly, we have often found out through dialogue and taking a fraternal and human approach that the diversity or division in this country is not as solid as we first believed. The commemorations provide us with further opportunities for taking such an approach.

I am pleased the Minister devoted a considerable amount of his time to the 1916 Rising, which fits into the expectations of most Irish people. It was in that period that we set about establishing our independence and taking control of our destiny. The Proclamation of 1916, while one of the shortest charters of independence in the world, expresses sentiments that remain relevant to this day and shows the foresight of the Volunteers who were working under considerable pressure. I have always been impressed by Terence MacSwiney's book, Principles of Freedom, in which he wrote that we must always look beyond the battle and know, in time, the type of Ireland we wish to establish.

The 1916 Rising can be commemorated in a way that is not divisive. I would be surprised if any country did not commemorate its founding battle or struggle for independence. Examples of this are evident in Britain, the United States and throughout Europe. Such commemorations and the loyalty we ask people to give to the State and nation are expected. I was always somewhat surprised by revisionists because I could never understand the reason they found it necessary to undertake a programme of revision. It is not necessary to do so because people can interpret any event in the manner in which they wish.

I would like the relatives of those who fought in the 1916 Rising to be given a central part in the commemorations. I recall a debate in the Seanad when relatives of the seven signatories to the Proclamation were present in the Visitors Gallery. I felt part of history on that occasion because the names on the Proclamation were represented by their relatives.

It is important also that the commemoration of the 1916 Rising is not centralised. In that regard, I welcome the initiative by The 1916-21 Club. For those who are not familiar with the organisation, it is an all-party club that was established to ensure division would be left to one side. It will launch its national programme in the historical setting of the Rotunda in Dublin on 22 June. I thank the Minister and his committee for meeting representatives of the club to discuss the matter.

We should use every opportunity to build bridges, as we in Comhaltas Ceoltóirí hÉireann have done in holding Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Derry this year. This decision was the subject of considerable debate. Interestingly, some people on the republican as opposed to loyalist side took the view that we should not have an all-island event in Derry until a united Ireland had been achieved. I took a different view because it is my belief that the cultural traditions of this country belong to all of its people. We should underline that our ancient heritage is much more enduring and potent than recent political divisions. The Fleadh Cheoil will demonstrate, as it did throughout the Troubles, that our traditions belong to everyone. Hundreds of thousands of people will attend the event which will boost the morale of the people of Derry.

On the issue of Moore Street, which I have discussed previously with the Minister, the area is a designated national monument and one of our most important national monuments. It is the area to which the leaders of the Rising retreated and signed the surrender. As such, it is similar to the Alamo. To walk into Moore Street and see where The O'Rahilly and others died reminds us of the great sacrifices that were made at that time. If it is not possible to have the national monument properly placed in Moore Street in time for the commemorations in 2016, I ask the Minister to consider making a declaration that a fully developed national monument will be located on the site. Such a monument would encapsulate much of our history and provide young people with a focus with which to connect to this history. At the same time, and I do not mean this in a mercenary sense, it would also be a wonderful tourist attraction. I have seen the benefits of similar historical sites throughout the world.

I wish the Minister well with the work he is doing. It is clear that much thought went into his presentation. It behoves us all to be part of the effort to show that while it was necessary to fight for independence, much bridge-building has taken place in the meantime and should continue in future. Our cultural identity must be central to the commemorative process from now until 1916. Our language and the many other distinctive elements of our culture are our distinctive badge of nationhood and should be at the forefront of the forthcoming commemorations. The first President of Ireland, Mr. Douglas Hyde, who was a member of the Protestant community, was also president of Conradh na Gaeilge and one of the foremost proponents of the Irish language. Our language is a cohesive influence and element. Go n-éirí go geal leis an Aire agus go raibh rath Dé ar an obair.