Michael Comiskey (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister. I was pleased to be present in the General Post Office last evening for the launch of the 2016 celebrations. As I stated on the Order of Business, I look forward to the inclusion of Seán Mac Diarmada's house in Kiltyclogher as part of the celebrations or commemorations that will take place in 2016. I thank the Office of Public Works for the investment it has made in the house, which was visited by the former Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW and former Minister for the Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Brian Hayes, MEP, and Deputy Jimmy Deenihan, respectively. I extend an invitation to the Minister to visit the house when the opportunity presents. It is in exactly the same condition as it was when Seán Mac Diarmada left it in 1914 or 1915, other than that the Office of Public Works has replaced the roof. I look forward to a visit from the Minister and to showing her around County Leitrim. An interpretative centre will open in Kiltyclogher at the end of this month. It would be great if she could visit north County Leitrim around that time.

Senator Eamonn Coghlan referred to the golden jubilee year in 1966. I am revealing my age when I recall that I recited the Proclamation in our local hall at the time. This brings me to the importance of getting schools involved in the commemorations. Every time I see the Proclamation, I am reminded of the night in the local hall when I and others recited it, as well as the many other events held in 1966 to commemorate the Rising.

Senator Daly referred to Cumann na mBán. It is important that we celebrate the women who gave their time in the period from 1916 through the Civil War when Cumann na mBán members were still active. Two of my aunts were involved in Cumann na mBan and later emigrated to America. I look forward to their families returning to County Leitrim in 2016 to celebrate the occasion with us. I will contact the Minister about the possibility of arranging a visit to County Leitrim. I hope she will be able to visit at some stage.