Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 68: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he proposes to honour the work of C.J. Hambro with a statue or similar memorial befitting his important work on behalf of Ireland. [30892/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As the Deputy will be aware, C.J. Hambro was a distinguished Norwegian political leader in the earlier part of the last century. Mr. Hambro was a defender of the rights of small nations in an era when these rights were far from being guaranteed. His belief in the national rights of small nations led him to defend the cause of Irish independence and gave rise to his admiration for Éamon de Valera.

I am aware of a recent initiative regarding a proposed commemoration of Mr. Hambro in Muckross House. While I would be willing to lend my support to such a proposal in view of Mr. Hambro's distinguished background, the issue of a commemorative memorial there is a matter for the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. In this regard, I understand that the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has recently been in contact with the interested party to indicate that they are not in a position to accede to such a request, but have advised of alternative possibilities for commemorating Mr. Hambro.