Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome my constituency colleague, the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, back to the Seanad. I congratulate her on being nominated to Cabinet again and I wish her well for the future. I would also like to be associated with the words of welcome to my colleague, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, with whom I served here for five years.

I am honoured to second the proposal on the Declaration of Independence Day Bill 2017. I compliment my colleague, Senator Swanick, on putting this Bill together and on his very comprehensive and informative contribution here this afternoon. As we are all aware, the first meeting of Dáil Éireann took place in the Mansion House, the residence of the Lord Mayor of Dublin, on the afternoon of 21 January 1919. The session lasted a mere two hours but they were two of the most momentous hours in Ireland's history. The momentousness of the day was not lost on our friends across the globe. Newspapers reported that special journalist delegations came from the United States, Canada, France, Belgium and Spain to witness the opening of the Dáil. This demonstrates how closely Ireland's struggle for independence was being watched by foreign nations throughout the world.

During its meeting, the First Dáil asserted the exclusive right of the elected representatives of the Irish people to legislate for this country. The Members present adopted a provisional constitution and approved a Declaration of Independence. By doing so, the Dáil asserted a continuity of objectives with the leaders of the 1916 Rising, which we celebrated only last year, in setting up a separate parliament, government and republic. It is only right and fitting that we extend formal recognition to 21 January 1919. The Declaration of Independence Day Bill seeks to do just that.

As outlined by my colleague, Senator Swanick, in his contribution, independence days are recognised by countries across the globe. The Senator mentioned some of them. Yesterday, 4 July, was one of the most popular of these holidays, namely, Independence Day in the United States, which is celebrated across that country and is as big a day of celebration as Thanksgiving or Christmas. Prime Minister Trudeau, who visited this country in recent days, celebrated Canada Day on 1 July. This year, Canada celebrated its 150th birthday. One only needs to look on social media to see the good wishes sent from its expatriates across the globe to know what an important day it is for all Canadians, at home and abroad. I concur with what my colleague has said in respect of this particular Bill and I suggest it would mean the same to our people at home and abroad. Bastille Day is celebrated on 14 July, which is the French national day and which is traditionally considered a symbol of the French Revolution. It commemorates the storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789, a turning point of the French Revolution, and celebrations are held throughout France. It is also their biggest national holiday, celebrated by French people throughout the world, as well as at home. The independence day of Belgium is celebrated on 21 July, the day the nation attained its freedom from the dominance of the Netherlands in the year 1831.

If passed, this Bill would see 21 January designated as Declaration of Independence Day, a right and fitting commemoration of this hugely important event. I am aware and very much welcome that the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission is working hard on a programme and series of events to commemorate this date. This programme is currently in the planning stages. This Bill takes it one step further and enshrines this date in law as a national day of independence. As my colleague, Senator Swanick, has stated, this Bill does not provide for a public holiday but it will provide the opportunity for schools, community organisations and public bodies to commemorate this hugely important event in an appropriate fashion.

In addition, it is worth noting that 2018 represents the centenary of a number of political developments and events. It is the centenary of the Representation of the People Act 1918 and the Parliament (Qualification of Women) Act 1918. It is also the centenary of the 1918 general election itself, which was held on Friday, 14 December 1918. I also welcome the proposed and fitting commemoration of these events.

In conclusion, I again commend my colleague, Senator Swanick. This is important legislation and an important commemoration of a landmark in our history. While I accept that we are as yet only a Twenty-six Counties nation, Senator Swanick's point is very relevant. I look forward to a Thirty-two Counties Irish republic some day in the very near future, but the fact that we are not yet a Thirty-two Counties republic does not prevent us from commemorating this important landmark in our history.