Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Tá áthas orm deis a bheith agam labhairt ar an ábhar tábhachtach seo. This is an opportunity to discuss what has been dubbed the decade of commemorations, that is, the collection of significant commemorations we will observe in the years to come, from the formation of the UVF last year through 1916 and up to 1923 and the ending of the Civil War. The Government's advisory committee of academic and other experts, chaired by Dr. Maurice Manning, and a group comprising senior officials from relevant Departments are planning the State's centenary programme and advising the Oireachtas committee. A similar group has been established in the Assembly under the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, which is headed by the Sinn Féin Minister, Carál Ní Chuilín.

While the establishment of the Oireachtas committee is welcome, I must put on record my dissatisfaction with the manner in which it is conducting its business. It appears that the committee has not achieved a great deal. It has held discussions and meetings but it has not produced many concrete plans. Even with the best will in the world, the Government has not provided the resources to allow it to do anything considerable or worthwhile. It has no real budget. It is highlighting and endorsing events and, to some extent, tying into them, but it is not supporting them in any tangible way and it is certainly not providing any resources.

Later this year sees the centenary of the foundation of the Irish Volunteers who would play a key role in the rising. However, it is not yet clear what is planned as regards the commemoration of the establishment of the volunteers, despite the fact that this is mere months away. I would welcome the Minister's clarification on what is planned in that regard.

Neither is it clear what we will see for the cornerstone commemoration in 2016. What events are planned? I understand Easter Monday will see a major event but details are sketchy. A considerable number of events were organised for the 50th anniversary at considerable expense at the time. This included a major play in Croke Park, the production of records by Gael Linn and much more but it took some time in planning. They did not throw it together in a short timeframe.

If the Government has major festivals or concerts in mind or if it wishes to declare a public holiday, we would like to see more action sooner. We are aware the Government will be putting the 1916 pension records online. That is a welcome and positive development. However, it was an initiative which had begun under the previous Government. Likewise, the refurbishment of Glasnevin Cemetery is positive, but it too began previously. As there is not much money, resources or planning going into this we have yet to see any real, tangible, new initiatives.

As has been mentioned, there is also the outstanding issue of the Moore Street site. The Minister is responsible for the decision on what becomes of the Moore Street site. He has seen all the presentations and heard all the discussions at which he was present. He knows the huge potential of this site. It could be a tremendous attraction for tourists and would provide a marvellous focus for so many 1916 events yet currently it is in limbo. The possibility of a shopping centre being built on the site is offensive. I urge the Minister to ensure the site is protected and added to as part of a revolutionary quarter in the north inner city.

There are other aspects of the 1916 legacy that need greater support. Locals near Richmond Barracks are seeking support to renovate and preserve the barracks. This is a key site where some leaders were held before they were executed. However, they have not been met with great support.

Likewise, it appears there is a lack of tour guides in Kilmainham Jail and a lack of capacity. Recently, someone in Deputy Gerry Adams's office rang to arrange a tour in the jail for a group and was told that the next date that could be arranged was September. That is disgraceful. It is a popular location and we should seek to ensure that as many people as possible have the opportunity to visit it.

In my constituency we are still unsure what will be the outcome as regards the refurbishment and development of an interpretive centre at Pearse's Cottage, Teach an Phiarsaigh. I would welcome a clear statement from the Minister on that because on a number of occasions on the Adjournment I asked the Minister of State, Deputy McGinley, about it and he gave us a commitment that the Government would have that centre built by 2016. In November of last year he told me it was on the desk of Fáilte Ireland for consideration for a capital grant and that he was hopeful that would be processed. I have written to Fáilte Ireland on two occasions and did not get any clarification but perhaps the Minister could clarify for us where he stands on the issue. Will he reconfirm the Government's commitment to have the interpretive centre at Teach an Phiarsaigh built in time for 2016?

D'fhéadfainn cuid mhaith ábhair eile a ardú. Aontaím leis na pointí atá déanta i dtaobh cúrsaí ealaíne le linn an chomóraidh. Tá na smaointí go maith agus tá an chaint go maith, ach i ndáiríre píre bhí an ceart ag mo chomhghleacaí, an Seanadóir Norris, nuair a d'iarr sé cad a cheapadh an dream a shín Forógra na Cásca 1916 maidir leis an tír ina bhfuilimid faoi láthair. B'fhéidir go bhfuil géarghá le díospóireacht náisiúnta maidir leis na bunphrionsabail a bhí ag an dream sin maidir le caomhnú a dhéanamh ar mhaithe le chuile pháiste sa tír seo ar an gcaoi cheánna ó thaobh ár gcuid acmhainní nádúrtha, cearta agus mar sin de. Chuirfinn fáilte roimhe sin.