Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This Tuesday, we had a very interesting and informative session of the Seanad Public Consultation Committee on the status, treatment and use of our national anthem. We heard from a wide range of interested and knowledgeable people. As Senators are aware, the copyright on the anthem expired in 2012. We heard from Conal Kearney, grandson of the author of the anthem, Peadar Kearney, who told us something we already believe, namely, that the national anthem should be given the respect and dignity it deserves. Interestingly, he also corrected a widespread belief that the anthem was written in 1907 and pointed out that it was written in late 1910 or early 1911. The song was translated into Irish by the civil servant and linguist Liam Ó Rinn. His grand-nephew, Councillor Nial Ring, appeared before the committee and told us that the anthem was first published in 1923. A very interesting article on the subject by Liam Collins appeared in yesterday's Irish Independent. As we know, "Amhrán na bhFiann" links us to our history and, therefore, our identity. The Seanad Public Consultation Committee with the aid of our rapporteur, my fellow Kerry man, Senator Mark Daly, will now prepare a report with recommendations, if any, for the Government and the Seanad. I ask that in due course, the Acting Leader arranges that we can debate it in the Seanad.