Every time we see the flag flying over Leinster House, it creates a great sense of pride in the freedom of the country and the fact that we live in a democracy. That was recognised by the world 100 years ago today. It is fitting and appropriate for us to recognise that it was a difficult and traumatic time for our country. However, it was at that time we were first recognised by the world as a free state, the Irish Free State. The people who led to the creation of the Free State more than 100 years ago deserve full credit and recognition.

The celebrations 100 years ago today were solemn and respectful, even though a terrible civil war, which got more bloody and terrible after the formation of the Free State, was taking place. We need to realise that our democracy has lasted 100 years. We are one of the longest lasting democracies in Europe. Our small country was ruled for 700 years prior to that by a foreign nation. We maintained our democracy and when it came to the transition of power from Cumann na nGaedheal, Fine Gael, to Fianna Fáil, it happened peacefully. When power transferred again in 1948, it happened peacefully. While there is a lot we need to do to improve our small country, we are one of the best little countries in the world. We are one of the most democratic little countries in the world. It is appropriate, today of all days, for us to salute the flag that flies over Leinster House and to salute our forefathers who created what we have today and those who, during the past 100 years, maintained our democracy in a peaceful way in this part of our country. We are all looking forward to the important celebration next Monday of the 100-year anniversary of Seanad Éireann.

I will pick up on what Senator Ned O'Sullivan said about the shared island initiative. The Cathaoirleach and I were at Dublin Castle yesterday to hear the Taoiseach set out his stall. What passion and enthusiasm he displayed, and what grá he has for this initiative. We had amazing speakers and contributions, and major engagement. Dublin Castle was packed both inside and out. There was a great sense of optimism and hope. The Taoiseach touched on all-Ireland actions he has planned in areas such as biodiversity, tourism and brand collaboration. He spoke about the shared Ireland civic society fund and the shared island dimension for creative thinking, and creative cultural, arts and heritage projects. He also talked about the North-South research programmes, administered by the Higher Education Authority, and the co-centres of research, innovation and excellence. He is passionate. My hope is that he will carry that with him to whichever Department he moves. He may well move to the Department for Foreign Affairs but that is not a matter for me. I left Dublin Castle feeling I had looked at a man who was passionate about his vision and who was heading towards Iveagh House. I felt he would continue to have his hands firmly on the shared island initiative. I hope that comes to pass because that is the right place for him. That is a personal view rather than anything else.

Senator Ó Donnghaile spoke about the Planning and Development Foreshore (Amendment) Bill that will be before the House later today. The members of the Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage, some of whom are here today, completed pre-legislative consideration of the Bill at noon. It is shambolic that the committee has only just completed its work. We have not yet seen the final copy of our report. I thank the staff of the committee. It is shambolic that this House will not have the results of pre-legislative scrutiny before it. In addition, the time limit for amendments to this Bill expired at 11 a.m., at which time the committee was still discussing matters relating to pre-legislative scrutiny. That is disappointing. Having said that, I recognise that there is much positive reform within the Bill. I will talk about that later.

I will say one final word because I will be killed if I do not do so. The president of the Association of Irish Local Government, Councillor Pat Fitzpatrick, wrote to a number of people and asked for support for city and county councils to be retained on the nomination panel for the board. I will be fully supporting that and will be articulating more in that regard this afternoon.