Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have previously raised the decade of commemorations, particularly how we will deal with the commemorations in 2022. It is a unique period in our history and it must be dealt with sensibly and appropriately. I am from west Cork and issues regarding Michael Collins will always pop up. A major campaign is under way to have a statue of him in Dublin. I fully support this campaign. We need to have a real debate in the House about how we will deal with 2022. We need to start talking about planning for memorials and statues. Arthur Griffith, Cathal Brugha and Michael Collins all died in 1922. They were three leaders in the first Executive. Should all three be commemorated? Should all three be given a statue in order to ensure that people recognise it is 100 years since they died. The House will play a role in the decade of commemorations. There is a need for debate in the Houses. It is something that we might try to work on. The Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, OPW, should come to the House as a matter of urgency to lay out how he believes we will deal with the commemorations. If we are to have memorials built for these patriots, we need to ensure that the OPW is on board. The latter will be a key driver to make sure it happens. Perhaps we should broaden the net. The idea of having one statue is appropriate but having three would be a more appropriate and sensible way to deal with the issue.