Eamonn Coghlan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am beginning to show my age. I vividly recall, as a 13 year old boy, attending the pageantry in Croke Park and also the military parade that took place in O'Connell St. My father, Bill, worked for a company called Breen Electrical in Dame Street and he had the responsibility of installing the sound system in Croke Park not just for the Gaelic football and hurling matches, but also for the pageantry, and along O'Connell Street for that parade. My job was to help to pull the wires while he put up the sound system. My reward was not monetary; it was a front row seat in the Ard Chomhairle for the pageant and a front-row seat outside the GPO for the military parade. I will never forget the President, Eamon de Valera, coming over to me - my proud dad would always talk to everybody about "Young Eamonn, he is a great little runner" - and saying to me, "Eamonn, I hear you are a great little runner. I will be looking for you in the future". I may have gone on to some success on the athletics track but little did he know I would be nominated to the Seanad by An Taoiseach, which I am very proud of all these many years later.

My father, Bill, lived at 16 South William Street, a mere two or three blocks from here. I always remember the stories from my father and from "gran", as we called her - my granny - about how her husband, who died at the age of 32, used to allow the basement of their tenement house be used as a hideout for some of the rebels during the 1916 Rising. I will always remember going with my sister Mary to the rat-infested basement looking for ammunition and guns, imagining that we might find them, but to no avail. However, I also remember him talking about the Walker brothers, Michael and John, who participated in the 1912 Olympic Games in Stockholm, representing Ireland in cycling. They were couriers for the rebels around Dublin during the 1916 Rising. I also heard stories from gran about walking from South William Street up to St. Stephen's Green at particular times during the day when there would be a ceasefire in order for the park ranger to feed the ducks. That was her way out of town. A Senator seems to know the story - I can remember hearing that as a young boy.

We are almost 100 years on. We have seen two world wars come and go and we have seen the Troubles in the North come and go. Nelson's Pillar was blown up in that year of 1966, and I remember sitting on the stand at the GPO with the ruin of Nelson's Pillar in front of us. However, the world is still not a safe place and we are now faced with the looming threats of ISIS. We are almost a year and a half away from the centenary commemoration, which will remember and honour those who took part in the 1916 Rising. This is a major event for our country, both at home and abroad, because of its significance in our history.

This is not about political parties, but about our community and commemorating the men, women and children of Ireland. Last night in the GPO, we were presented by the Minster, the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste with the theme for Ireland 2016 which is to remember, reconcile, imagine, present and celebrate. Remembering the events of 1916 through the signature events the Minister has outlined is very important. Events planned include the national ceremonies, cultural events, State receptions and many more. The flagship capital projects which will be completed by Easter 2016 will serve as permanent reminders. The Minister has indicated that €22 million has been provided for the completion of the projects at the GPO, Kilmainham Gaol and Courthouse, the tenement museum in Henrietta Street, Richmond Barracks, Teach an Piarsaigh in Rosmuc, the Military Pensions Archive and the National Concert Hall. I have also just been informed of the €30 million being spent on the project at the National Gallery which is adjacent to Leinster House and which will be completed by April 2015.

Family is foremost in remembering. Relatives and descendants are paramount in the commemoration events. The Minister has stated that she wants the events to be all-inclusive and that the advisory group on the centenary commemorations wants the input of relatives right through the planning process. The Taoiseach said last night that the Government is determined to consult widely and develop a comprehensive programme of dignified acts of remembrance. Reconciliation is important in honouring all those who have built peace. The Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection noted last night that it is vital to appreciate the fact that the 1916 Rising is a highly contested moment in our history and that we must respect differing viewpoints on it. Imagining is about imagining our future - not necessarily recalling the past - over the next 100 years by seeking the views of our young people.

The Taoiseach stated that the commemoration should be remembered for its diversity, inclusiveness, imagination and inspiration. We are known worldwide for our imagination and culture, including our heritage, literature, music, dance, business acumen and, if I might say it, our sport. Presenting Ireland to the world, show-casing our achievements in art, culture, literature and music, is very important and an opportunity to attract visitors from overseas, engage with the diaspora and replicate the success of The Gathering. Approximately 3.6 million tourists come to Ireland for a cultural experience and the centenary commemoration is an ideal opportunity for tourism to engage with the diaspora and many others from overseas.

In celebration, we reflect on the past and celebrate our achievements, hopes and dreams for the future. Last night, the Taoiseach said 2016 presents us with a once-in-a-century opportunity to create events of celebration and remembrance that are of value in themselves and which also contribute to a great sense of who we Irish really are. The vision outlined for Ireland 2016 says it all. It involves working together to remember, reconcile, imagine, present and celebrate in 2016. However, it is my hope that it will not just be a once-off remembrance and celebration. I hope the events planned and, in particular, the capital programme will have a lasting and positive influence on many generations to come. Having lived in the United States of America for many years, I know that 4 July - Independence Day - is the big day of the year. Perhaps, we can celebrate and remember the Easter Rising 1916 every year.