Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

My own party did do it and it was wrong to do so. If we are to develop a new Ireland in the lead-up to the centenary of the 1916 Rising, it is time to do politics differently. It is time to stop playing petty party politics. If people make mistakes, they should come out and say so and provide the information requested of them.

To move on to the important issue of the arts, I am glad to have the opportunity to speak to the motion and congratulate my colleagues on tabling it. In the lead-up to the centenary of the 1916 Rising we must ask ourselves who we are and where we are going as a people.

Part of our history as a people is the Irish language, arts and culture, and what better way to commemorate in 2016 than by enshrining the culture of arts and the Irish language in our future work. This will require funding, resources and commitment. I hope the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, will fight tooth and nail for a financial commitment from this Government in the lead-up to 2016, as otherwise we would only be paying lip service to the project. We must provide funding for the rejuvenation of the Irish language and the development of our cultural and artistic facilities and people across the country. I agree with Senator Barrett as there is a role for our children and a new Ireland.

I appeal to the Leader and the Minister for a debate on the 2016 commemorations. Instead of discussing the issue now, we should have a structured debate on 2016 in the Chamber in the coming weeks.