asked the Taoiseach if it is proposed to commemorate in any manner the centenary of the birth of Arthur Griffith.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Arthur Griffith Centenary.
3.
I said in this House in reply to Questions on the 10th July, 1968 and the 4th February, 1970, that I would be prepared to facilitate the setting-up of an all-party committee to see how best we could commemorate those who died during the civil war period. There has already been some correspondence with the parties opposite.
Would the Taoiseach not have regard to the fact that the question concerns the birth of the founder of Sinn Féin whose philosophy and outlook gave rise to and is one of the most fundamental beliefs of our independent nation? On that account, would not the Taoiseach have regard for the special status and special position of Arthur Griffith in all Irish history and ensure that he is honoured and respected by the State without having regard to any divisions that may have arisen between him and others during what the Taoiseach has referred to as the civil war period?
The 100th anniversary of the birth of Arthur Griffith has already passed but, in any event, my offer still stands. Arthur Griffith was a civil war figure and I think it would be inappropriate to single out any civil war figure for special honour. I think that the suggestion I made was a proper one, that between us we could devise some means whereby all those who died in the civil war can be honoured suitably.
Is the Taoiseach suggesting that Arthur Griffith's place in Irish history is that of a civil war figure? I would suggest that if it had not been for Arthur Griffith, this Dáil would not now be in session.
Deputies
Hear, hear.
Can the Taoiseach say when we can expect further information?
There has been some correspondence with the Whips of the two Opposition parties. In the meantime, a committee was established for the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Truce. My original suggestion was lost, I think, in the setting up of that committee but I am prepared to have it revived and I think it will be. In effect, correspondence is continuing.
We are becoming a bit mixed up in all these celebrations. Which is it the Truce or the end of the civil war that we are celebrating?
Did not the Taoiseach's Parliamentary Secretary indicate that the offer made in writing was withdrawn because of the establishment of the other committee and was not being proceeded with?
I have the file before me and there is no such suggestion thereon. I am not aware that any information on those lines was given verbally but, as I have said, what I think happened was that my original suggestion was put aside in the light of the establishment of the special committee to which I have referred. In reply to Deputy Corish, a special committee was established to draw up a programme to commemorate the Truce, the 50th anniversary of which will occur in July this year.
Certainly, there has not been any further correspondence with me on the matter.
I am accepting that. It is some months since the original proposal was made.
It is very shabby treatment in respect of Arthur Griffith.