Keith Swanick (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire, Teachta Madigan, agus gach Seanadóir a ghlac páirt sa díospóireacht seo. I was heartened last July during the Second Stage debate when the then Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Humphreys stated:

The convening of the First Dáil on 21 January 1919 will be one of the key historical events to be marked by the State in 2019. ... The Bill before us proposes that a formal State recognition of the Declaration of Independence shall be made, with the designation of 21 January each year as "Declaration of Independence Day". I am of the view that an event to mark this momentous occasion in our history is appropriate.

Mar fhocal scoir, gabhaim buíochas ó chroí le gach duine a thug tacaíocht don Bhille seo. Fuair mé an tacaíocht don Bhille ó cheannaire Fhianna Fáil, Teachta Micheál Martin, agus ón iarSheanadóir, Teachta Darragh O'Brien. The meeting of the First Dáil and the Declaration of Independence on 21 January 1919 deserve to be recognised appropriately. This legislation is an important step in that direction and I am humbled that it has now passed another significant legislative milestone moving towards its enactment.