Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I echo Senator Daly's closing remarks. I commend Senator Swanick and the co-signatories for bringing this Bill before us.

I have had the great pleasure of contributing to this discussion through its passage in this House and on each occasion, I have gently reminded Members that while it is important to remember and acknowledge our Declaration of Independence, it is something that we can all join together in marking, there is a greater onus on us when legislation is before the House to remember the unfulfilled aspirations of the Declaration of Independence of that revolutionary era and those revolutionary leaders, men and women whom we rightly acknowledge and remember with great respect in both Houses when we pass through the corridors of these buildings.

This is a very worthy Bill in terms of what it seeks to do. I wish it every success in how it is implemented. I hope it acts as a catalyst for respectful commemoration and reflection. Unashamedly I want it to act as a reminder that we have an unfulfilled body of work. I know the proposers share that sentiment in terms of realising the establishment of a truly national democratic and independence, but also the ethos, the heart and the spirit of that era. I have some limited engagement with the organisation of the decade of centenaries programme when I was previously a member of Belfast City Council. The Minister can appreciate that we had a very delicate balance in terms of navigating those somewhat choppy waters. Certainly it is right that we remember, that we commemorate, that we are respectful, understanding and embracing in so doing. It is important too that we are unashamed in our remembrance, commemorations and celebration.

I commend Senator Swanick. This has been a labour of love for him which was apparent at every Stage. I know that the State has done much admirable work in navigating the choppy waters of the decade of centenaries. It will come as no surprise that there were instances where I think we could have done better, but nevertheless I know it has been a considerable body of work, not least for the officials in the Department and associated committees around this issue.

Go n-éirí leis. Tá mé sásta a thacú leis, ní hamháin ar mo shon féin ach ar son Sinn Féin fosta.