Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire go dtí an Seanad. Ar deireadh thiar thall, tá díospóireacht ar siúl sa Teach agus tá ráiteas déanta ag an Rialtas maidir le comóradh 1916. Gan aon amhras, seo é an comóradh is tábhachtaí sa deich mbliana de comórtha atá le ceiliúradh againn.

There is no doubt that the 1916 Rising is the most important commemoration for this country in this decade of commemorations. I would like to see the 1916 commemoration as the primary focus of what the State and the people celebrate over the next ten years. I agree we must be inclusive and must look at all traditions, but in doing that we must not dilute any tradition. We must respect the tradition of everybody. My tradition is connected to 1916 and I and many historians believe it is the most important and focal point. However, that does not stop me from attending remembrance day events, which are not directly part of my tradition. As far as I know, some people are only finding out about relatives involved in the First World War and I will attend a number of celebrations of that kind over the weekend.

When we talk about inclusivity and about respecting all traditions, we must not dilute any of these traditions. This is the one concern I have about the commemoration of 1916. I was disappointed with the presentation made last night and expressed my disappointment on social media. Although it was well designed graphically, it looks as though it was cobbled together at the last minute and as though little thought went into it. My colleague Senator Daly is a member of the committee, but its role is unclear currently and it seems to have been sidelined by the parties in the Government. I hope the cross-party committee is given a key role in the plans. Some changes have been made.

It was disappointing to watch a video about commemorating 1916 in which we saw more of the Queen and of David Cameron. Notwithstanding the importance of the events in which they participated, the men who signed the Proclamation deserve to be recognised. I think I picked up what Senator Mac Conghail said correctly and agree we must be proud of what we did. The United States commemorates its war of independence and its independence, without affecting its excellent relationship with the United Kingdom. Without dragging the United Kingdom back into the fray at all times, it has a close relationship with it, while recognising there was a war and they fought and stood for their ideals. We must look at the issues here in the same light. When we are commemorating other significant events, we must look at them individually and consider their importance. While they happened at the same time as events here, the people involved in those events may have had different objectives.

I wish the Minister well with her planning. I believe the Government has belatedly looked at the issues. I have confidence in former Senator, Maurice Manning, as chairman of the committee. I note former Senator and Minister of State, Martin Mansergh, is also on the committee. I suggest he would be a suitable vice chairman of the committee and that he would reflect our traditions. On the national events planned, I see the list of capital projects being planned and funded in a positive light and welcome them.

While the public consultation period is welcome, as I stated last night, members of the public appear to have been asked for their views at the last minute. A committee has been meeting on this issue. Let us hope these issues are resolved. All sorts of rows took place before the millennium, with accusations that not enough was being done. This tends to occur in the political sphere. It is important that the Government do all it can in this matter.

I draw the Minister's attention to the Battle of Ashbourne, which took place towards the end of Easter week 1916. A non-party community group in Ashbourne is planning a commemoration of what was the most important battle to take place outside Dublin during Easter week. This battle deserves to be commemorated as part of the national celebrations. It would not interfere with any of the other celebrations that are planned. I emphasise the community aspect of the proposed commemoration in Ashbourne, in which I do not have any direct involvement, although, like many other politicians in the area, I have provided it with assistance. I hope the Minister will respond. I wish her well in performing this extremely important task.

Let us be proud of and recognise what our forefathers achieved. Let us also recognise the progress we have made and the future ahead, while never forgetting the supreme sacrifice that was made at the time. That is what we commemorate about 1916: the ideals and sacrifice, the words of the Proclamation and the actions of those who signed it, as well as those who fought in the Rising. I remember my own relative, Michael Hilliard, who subsequently became a Minister. He was too young to be sent to Frongoch camp, as he was only about 13 years old, and I understand he escaped. The leaders of the Rising were also exceptionally young. Éamon de Valera was one of the oldest among them. The sacrifice made by these young people at the time must be reflected in the commemoration. The Government spoke of the importance of youth. It is important to remember how young the leaders were.