Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

When in government Fianna Fáil could have issued a compulsory purchase order and acquired Moore Street and the surrounding lanes of history from NAMA. As we know, this did not happen and instead a bankrupt private developer was allowed to let this historical quarter descend into a state of abject disrepair and decay. Surely, if ever there was a metaphor for the decay and corruption at the heart of political life in Ireland, this is it.

It is also nothing short of a disgrace that the Government has not yet published a full programme of events to commemorate the centenary of the 1916 Rising. I spoke to James Connolly Heron, a great grandson of James Connolly, who is very disillusioned, as are the other relatives of the signatories to the Proclamation, that he has not yet seen a draft programme of events. Thus far, all we know is that a parade will take place on the Easter Monday. Apart from that, I am not aware of any other event. This is shameful and well beyond what would be considered a reasonable timescale. Fundamentally it means that Bord Fáilte will not have adequate time to advertise the various events abroad and bring much needed tourist revenue into the capital. It also means that community groups, NGOs, sports organisations and others are unable to plan events as, to date, no funding has been ringfenced for 1916-specific events. Also, as far as I am aware, no meetings have taken place between the Abbey Theatre and the other key cultural institutions and the Government about the running of special centenary exhibitions, plays etc. This is particularly worrying as such events take time and money to organise, promote and plan. In addition, most of these institutions plan at least 24 months in advance. I ask the Minister to state exactly when we will see the programme of planned events for the commemoration of the 1916 Rising and when work will begin on the permanent 1916 exhibition at the GPO.

There is much more one could say on this topic and I would like to speak more on behalf of artists who have contacted me. Perhaps we might organise a specific debate on artists, the arts and the value of same at a future date.