Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The flooding situation is ongoing at the moment. It is very serious in Limerick and Athlone, where there are houses in danger. It has alleviated to some degree in Athleague. I compliment the Army, Civil Defence and volunteers who were very active in the village of Athleague. The people there helped and supported each other and assisted in preventing the flooding of businesses. Hopefully Athleague will reopen for business as quickly as possible.

On the celebration and commemoration of the 1916 Rising, I would like to ask the Leader and the Cathaoirleach what proposals the Oireachtas Commission has made to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Rising. It took place on 24 April 1916 and the State celebrations will be on 28 March 2016. There are events taking place in Dublin Castle. I believe the Oireachtas should play a very active role in this regard but, as someone who has served here for a very long time, I have received no briefing whatsoever from anyone. Commission members have not told me what is proposed.

I suggest, if I may, that the siopa would be immediately converted into a 1916 area for students attending the Oireachtas during the year. There could be an exhibition of photographs, memorabilia and other material there. Other structures within the buildings of the Oireachtas should commemorate this day. The very attractive commemorative badge that was given to Members of the Oireachtas should also be given to every citizen of the State. I have met people in the Defence Forces and the Garda Síochána who have not been sent this badge. In 2000, former Minister Séamus Brennan had memorial trees sent to every citizen in Ireland to mark the Millenium. It would be a small gesture for the Government to provide this badge to every citizen. It would be very nice for people to proudly wear it during 2016.

It is the most memorable and largest event we will celebrate in the next 100 years. We should be briefed and I hope the Leader will be able to get a briefing before the year is out. I would like to see a day when the Oireachtas would erect statues to the 1916 signatories on the Merrion Street side of Leinster House to display the bravery of those men and women.