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

I thank Senator Bacik for arranging this useful discussion. The anniversary is of such historical significance that it is appropriate that we mark it. Generally, discussions such as this cannot be held in the Dáil, which is why the Seanad is so important. A number of Senators used the opportunity to make other points, but we are discussing parliaments and democracy and that is what democracy is all about. I welcome the recent development that has seen all graduates of third level institutions afforded the right to vote for the Seanad.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh mentioned that we did not hold a similar discussion to recognise the establishment of the Volunteers or Cumann na mBan, but we did. I attended the Seanad for those statements, which were open to everyone. It was a good debate on the commemorations programme. I found it useful, as I was influenced and better informed by it.

I thank those Senators who contributed to this debate - Senators Ó Murchú, Brennan, Barrett, O'Sullivan, Cummins and Ó Clochartaigh. In particular, I thank Senator Bacik for ensuring this debate was held. I welcome our guests, members of the Castledermot Historical Society, as well as our academic friends who influenced this debate. They may not derive much contentment from it, but the fact that the matter was discussed will be recorded for when future historians consider its historical significance when we come to the event's millennium. We can always say that it was discussed in the Seanad 250 years ago.