Bertie Ahern
Question:1 Mr. B. Ahern asked the Taoiseach the plans, if any, the Government has to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the death of Daniel O'Connell. [9615/96]
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Commemoration Proposals.
Bertie Ahern
Question:2 Mr. B. Ahern asked the Taoiseach the plans, if any, the Government has over the next couple of years to honour the memory of the Young Ireland Movement and the Rising of 1848 on its 150th anniversary. [9616/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together.
The Government has approved the inclusion of a stamp to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the death of Daniel O'Connell in the postage stamp programme for 1997.
The 150th anniversaries of the Young Ireland Movement and the Rising of 1848 will be among the events to be considered by the Government in the context of framing the 1998 postage stamp programme. However, it is extremely difficult to include commemorative stamps for all events having regard to the limited numbers which can be issued.
I thank the Taoiseach for his positive reply on issuing a stamp to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the death of Daniel O'Connell and the consideration being given to the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Young Ireland Movement. I accept it is difficult to commemorate every event but will the Taoiseach agree that Daniel O'Connell, who created the first mass democratic movement in Europe, and the Young Ireland Movement, who articulated many of the ideals which underlay the foundation of the State, are of significant importance? Will he do whatever he can to ensure that the Young Ireland Movement is also commemorated?
I have noted the Deputy's views on the matter.
Will the Taoiseach agree that Daniel O'Connell could be commemorated in a tangible way by acquiring the ruins of his birthplace outside Cahirciveen, County Kerry, and restoring them? This would be a fitting memorial.
The Deputy is raising another aspect of the matter.
It is in the same context.
I will investigate the matter.
Many tragedies have been commemorated over the years, particularly in Northern Ireland, but to date nothing has been done to commemorate the victims of the 1974 Monaghan and Dublin bombings. Does the Government have any plans to commemorate the people who lost their lives in these bombings?
The Deputy is raising a very different matter. These questions deal with commemorating Daniel O'Connell and the Young Ireland Movement. If the Deputy wishes to raise the other matter he must do so at another time.