Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are in the middle of a decade of commemorations that started in 2016. We have handled it quite competently and capably in the context of issues such as 1916 and the first sitting of the First Dáil. I think next year will be a very important year when it comes to commemorations. We have the 100-year commemoration of the first sitting of the Seanad to look forward to next year. However, I think the Civil War issues will be the key focus for the next 12 to 14 months, and a very sensible and pragmatic debate on those issues is required. In my part of west Cork we will talk about August 1922 and Michael Collins's demise. Seán Hales was shot in December of that year. The Church of Ireland bishop of Cork famously said in 2017 that the Protestant community in west Cork would look upon the commemorations with some dread. It is a very sensitive issue and, I think, one in which this House will play a very important role.

We need a debate on how we will deal with these issues because they are quite sensitive and very raw for some. I believe it is appropriate that this House now get involved in that debate. There is a very important role for both the Cathaoirleach and the Leader in that regard. This House can play a key role in marking these commemorations, from the first sitting of the Seanad all the way up to the Civil War itself, in a sensible and appropriate way.