Yesterday, at 6.30 in the morning, Derryroe Limited, a development company, bulldozed No. 40 Herbert Park. This was the home of The O’Rahilly, who was killed in action during the 1916 Rising. As the Taoiseach knows, he was the leader of the Irish Volunteers and the campaign to save this house in which he lived received very widespread and deserved support right across the public. Key meetings in regard to the Easter Rising took place at No. 40 Herbert Park, so it was a place of major significance.

Earlier this month, Dublin city councillors voted in support of a Sinn Féin motion to add this building to the list of protected structures. For the developers to raze the building to the ground, particularly in the knowledge that decision had been taken by Dublin City Council, is truly reprehensible. It is a grubby and calculated act of bad faith by the developers. I understand that Dublin City Council is currently investigating the matter. Is the Government, and the Minister with responsibility for culture and her Department, assisting in this investigation?

First, as I said yesterday, this act was wrong, in my view. I am very clearly of the view that such iconic historic buildings and locations should be preserved or, at a minimum, incorporated in whatever developments are taking place. I instanced the Moore Street development and the discussions that took quite considerable time and involved Deputies from all sides of this House, including Deputy Eamon Ó Cuív, who was particularly effective in that process, to be fair, and an outcome was achieved. Given the significance of The O’Rahilly in terms of the war for independence and his historic significance, to go in yesterday at dawn to destroy the building is absolutely shocking and unacceptable.

Dublin City Council is the body charged with investigating that. I welcome that and urge the council to investigate.