Maura Hopkins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Swanick for his work on this Bill. As he said, what happened on 21 January 1919 shaped this country and, therefore, it is fitting that the date is designated as our independence day. It is positive that the Bill does not propose that the day be declared a public holiday as this will make the designation process more straightforward. The measure will also ensure that recognising an independence day will not have a significant economic impact on the State.

The Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has given extensive consideration to the Bill and I ask her to outline in detail the type of commemorations that are likely to take place.