Imagine what it will be like walking from the new museum in the GPO along a whole area still derelict into Moore Street where four buildings will be in some way preserved while the rest of place will be demolished.

This morning I was at the G.P.O. for the commemoration of the Easter Rising; 2 years time will be the centenary. Will we have a fitting, appropriate, dignified restoration of The Easter Rising battlefield site? Decisive action is needed now. Will the minister ask Chartered Land and Nama to donate the battlefield site to the nation with the funding necessary for its appropriate restoration?

I return to the point that we still do not know the significance of the remaining buildings in the area and therefore there is a vital need to have an independent assessment done as quickly as possible on that whole battlefield site. I do not think anyone in the House would disagree if the Minister with responsibility for arts and heritage were more proactive on this matter. I accept his point about An Bord Pleanála but I maintain it made a decision on a flawed report. I know the relatives are keen to meet the Taoiseach, and whoever is Taoiseach of the day when the commemoration is held will be only delighted to be seen with the relatives. However, now is the time to get this right. There is also a need to consider having a public consultation to find out the views of members of the public about the area and the preservation of what was the battlefield site. Will there be an independent assessment?
Read full transcript here