Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Minister is always welcome in the House.The Ireland 2016 Schools Programme is an event that will be very much welcomed by school children and indeed everyone involved in education in the country.

In 2011 a group of Waterford people set up a voluntary committee to commemorate the first flying of the tricolour in Ireland at No. 33, The Mall, by Thomas Francis Meagher. The Thomas Francis Meagher festival has grown from strength to strength in recent years. I compliment James Doherty and his committee on their excellent work in promoting this festival in recent years. It was this committee that first thought of the idea of presenting a ceremonial Irish flag to primary schools. Last year, representatives from more than 130 schools throughout the country attended a function in Waterford, which was also attended by President Higgins. It is the intention of the committee to continue this event in Waterford in the coming years.

I know that Senator Daly has set up a company called the Thomas Francis Meagher Foundation, which is registered as a charity. I presume it is registered with the Charities Regulatory Authority, as is required by law. I welcome his enthusiasm in this regard. I do not know whether there have been any meetings of the foundation since it was set up, but I compliment him on his work in this regard. Anyway, I hope he will not forget the fact that the Thomas Francis Meagher committee is a Waterford committee, set up to promote Waterford and the building where the tricolour was first flown. This is a historical fact, despite people's claims otherwise. There are some rumours to the effect that the foundation is trying to hijack the flag event next year and bring it elsewhere. I hope this is only a rumour. I know that Senator Daly mentioned a number of dignified people in his remarks and I imagine they certainly would not advocate or welcome any hijacking of that event from Waterford.

The year 1916 is to be commemorated by all, as has been mentioned, and I welcome the schools programme and the details that the Minister has outlined in the House today. It is a very inclusive programme. We have many innovative events, incorporating arts and cultural, dramatic and musical events. As Senator O'Keeffe mentioned, our flag belongs to everyone.