Preservation of Moore Street buildings
Senator Walsh urges urgent preservation and restoration of the Moore Street buildings, citing their national historical importance; Senator Norris briefly interjects about the GPO.
I ask the Leader to convey to the Taoiseach as a matter of urgency the need for the preservation and restoration of the buildings in Moore Street. I know the Taoiseach met with relatives of the families of the 1916 leaders this morning and has arranged for them to meet the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in this regard but there is real urgency. In particular, I ask the Leader to bring to the Taoiseach's attention the fact that the National Museum has stated that this is the most important national historical monument in the country and it needs to be developed. The buildings and the evacuation route could be a major tourism attraction given the existence of Kilmainham Gaol. When people from foreign countries come and see what the British did in this country, it gives them an insight into our sad history and the evils of colonialism in this country and as a consequence, Ireland gets respect internationally.
