Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Fiach Mac Conghail made some very interesting comments about the involvement of artists. I agree completely with him and this is something with which we will engage. Last Friday, I saw the production of "An Rí" by Padraig Pearse in the Abbey Theatre, first produced 100 years ago. James Plunkett's Strumpet City is the themed book for this year. I believe we can do a great deal with the connection between artists and writers and the decade of commemorations. It is not only the artists of the time - there were also people such as Sean Keating who produced some iconic paintings such as On the Run, Men of the South, Men of the West and so many more relating to this period. He told the narrative of that period. There were others, too, great portrait painters such as John Lavery, and many others. There is a great opportunity here and this is something we will certainly discuss.

Senator O'Keeffe's contribution was very touching. We should feel honoured that Ms Kay Murray, the daughter of Richard Gibson, is present today. There is that great connection and the human interest story which is so important to this narrative. There are so many other stories like that which can and must be told at this time. It is great that Ms Murray can be in the Chamber while we are having this debate and that she can hear her daughter-in-law make such a wonderful contribution. This is one of the positive aspects of what we can do during the decade of commemorations. We can recognise people like Ms Murray and her family who have made such a great contribution.
Senator O'Keeffe made a point about the roadshow. We will do the same for the 1916 commemoration, which would be very important. It has proven to be very successful for the World War 1 commemoration.

Senator Norris is not present. Our approach to this decade of commemorations will be one of tolerance, respect and inclusiveness. As Senator O'Sullivan noted, in 1966 we were boisterous. We wanted to make a statement that we had arrived as a nation. At this stage we are more confident as a country and have established ourselves in the world order. We are highly respected. We can stand back now, therefore, and have a different approach.

I agree with Senator Sean Barrett about the role of Redmond, Parnell and O'Connell. Redmond, in particular, has been an unfortunate figure in Irish history and has been somewhat airbrushed from it, which is very unfair.

Senator Coghlan mentioned the all-party group on commemorations. That group is working very well and has had a large number of engagements. The group was in place during the last Government and I was part of it at the time. We had some very important initiatives such as the Asgard project. The official in charge of the group is Mr. John Kennedy. Many things are happening. Perhaps we are not getting coverage in the newspapers. I was rather disappointed by the Senator's tone, compared to that of everybody else. I can give him a list of what is happening so that he can be more informed when he casts doubts on what we are trying to do in this regard.

We opened a centre commemorating Thomas McDonagh only two weeks ago. The Seán Mac Diarmada centre in County Leitrim is going very well and is being restored. I have an update on the Pearse Centre. I refer to Deputy Adams.