Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

That is what happens in every other country. We would not be an exception. We are not just referring to the militaristic aspect of the Rising. It is clear from the Proclamation that the 1916 leaders were far-seeing people. Even the budgetary provisions that we are discussing can, in many ways, reflect the Proclamation, which referred to cherishing all the children of the nation equally. We should not minimise that time in our history simply because we also want to commemorate other aspects of history. The relatives' fear is that the 1916 commemoration will be lost.

I have raised a question on the Order of Business three times regarding the volunteer, Thomas Kent, whose remains are lying in Cork jail. Everyone would agree that it is not a fitting place for the remains of such a brave man. Progress is being made, but I would like to see the same steps taken as were taken in respect of the forgotten ten volunteers, including Kevin Barry, buried in Mountjoy jail.

I still remember the outpouring of pride and affection at that time as tens of thousands of people lined the streets of Dublin when the cortège was passing through the city. I think the Minister will be committed to what we are trying to achieve here and that we do not waste any more time on this. Otherwise we will have a negative and divisive debate, which is the last thing we want if we are commemorating the 1916 Rising.