Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Swanick for bringing forward this legislation. I met his beautiful wife and children outside. It is lovely to see them here today.

I have decided not to propose an amendment to the Bill at this Stage but as I said on Committee Stage, I consider the Bill requires some amendment. My officials have been considering the issue in consultation with relevant Departments and the Parliamentary Counsel. This consideration is ongoing but I will be shortly seeking Government approval to proceed with drafting amendments arising out of that consideration. I note the support from across the House and I would hope therefore to be in a position to bring forward relevant amendments when the Bill is considered in the Dáil.

In response to the question raised by Senator Hopkins, my Department is considering with relevant Departments, including the Department of the Taoiseach, how we can appropriately remember the date. There are some ideas currently under consideration such as: a schools' module competition and collaboration with the Department of Education and Skills; an annual wreath laying ceremony to commemorate the significant contribution by the Members of the First Dáil to the emerging Irish State; and an annual cultural event, for example, a lecture, exhibition or concert in partnership with Creative Ireland and-or our national cultural institutions. There will be opportunities for local authorities to mark this event at county level if they wish, as part of their annual commemorative activities and the outcome of this consideration will in turn inform any proposed Government amendments.I am also very interested in any ideas from Deputies and Senators on how best to hold an annual commemoration. I thank Senator Diarmuid Wilson for his comments. I note that he mentioned it is not a bank holiday, and that is a positive issue from my perspective.

Senator Mark Daly mentioned the all-party consultation group. It was difficult to get a balanced nomination from all groups in the current Oireachtas, however I can assure the House that we have almost agreed on a membership and we hope to convene a meeting as soon as possible.

Senators Niall Ó Donnghaile and Mark Daly rightly mentioned the issue of recognising the position of nationalists in Northern Ireland and unionists in the new Free State. This is being borne in mind in respect of all commemorations over the coming years.