Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I second the amendment proposed by Senator Marc MacSharry. I understand it relates to the suicide prevention and mental health Bill.

Later we will have statements on the 750th anniversary of the first Irish Parliament when I understand the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Jimmy Deenihan, will be in the House. In many ways, he Minister epitomises what is good about a parliamentary democracy through the consultative processes he has put in place. I ask the Leader to invite him back to discuss the programme marking the centenary of the 1916 Rising. There is an opportunity to make suggestions and proposals or enhance some of the proposals already being made. Recently I attended a function at which a pipe band played and on the drum were the words, "The Thomas Ceannt Pipe Band". Each time I hear that pipe band play people ask who was Thomas Ceannt. He was executed in 1916 and buried in Cork gaol. On at least half a dozen occasions in the past ten or 15 years I have asked that serious consideration be given to transferring his mortal remains to a much more fitting setting. I was involved previously with the project on the forgotten ten volunteers, including Kevin Barry, in Mountjoy Prison. On that occasion it was agreed that their remains be transferred to a more fitting location. One of my great memories was the manner in which the cortège carrying the remains of the volunteers was received by the general public. There was absolutely nothing that could upset or worry anyone. Some discussions have taken place with the Ceannt family who, I understand, are prepared to facilitate this process. During the period mentioned all of the Ceannt family played a very significant role. Would it not be an ideal opportunity marking the centenary of the 1916 Rising to take the final steps and do what is right in this context? I raise the issue today, but we need a broader discussion of the programme on which the Minister is working. I would appreciate it if the Leader endeavoured in the very near future to bring the Minister back for a debate to give us all an opportunity to contribute to the evolution of that programme.