I will refer back to the motion the Cathaoirleach mentioned earlier in relation to the Catalpa escape from Australia 150 years ago. I raised the issue of the anniversary in the Chamber a number of weeks ago and I am very grateful that the Cathaoirleach took that idea forward and put together a motion. I am grateful to the leaders of the various party groups in the House for co-signing that motion. The story of the escape is remarkable. Last October, I had the opportunity to visit Perth and to see the display at Fremantle Prison regarding the history of this escape. The name the Cathaoirleach read out, James Wilson, was a pseudonym. He was actually James McNally from Newry. That was his real name. These six men had operated within the British army but for the purposes of serving the struggle for freedom in Ireland. That is the reason that, when there was a general amnesty for Fenian prisoners, they alone were kept in Fremantle Prison with no prospect of release. It was McNally's letter, known as "A Voice From the Tomb", to John Devoy that prompted the action in the United States and in Ireland to try to secure their release. It is a remarkable story of intrigue and bravery. I am sure it was an inspiration for the many prison escapes that were either carried out or attempted in later years by Irish republicans. I am very pleased that, because of the work done in Fremantle and in the United States, where the ship eventually ended up, this story is now being illuminated for a whole new audience on this 150th anniversary.

It was disappointing that there was no official State commemoration here but the motion the Cathaoirleach has put together is some recognition of the event from the Houses of the Oireachtas. As the Cathaoirleach understands, we had also hoped to have an exhibition. We had been in touch with the people in Fremantle Prison, who offered us support in doing that. Because of the timeframe involved, it was not possible to do that for today but I hope it will be possible in the time ahead. I put on the record of the Seanad our gratitude to the director of Fremantle Prison, Eleanor Lambert, and Joanna Robertson of the Kidogo Arthouse in Fremantle for their assistance in trying to ensure we have the material we need to celebrate and commemorate this event. It is very fitting that the House has an all-party resolution to commemorate this event. I also acknowledge the fact that the flag, which has been in a museum since 1972, is going on display this weekend. It is a remarkable piece of history. I hope that, through that display, more people will become aware of the story of the Catalpa escape and that more people will take a chance to engage. I understand that film scripts are being written about this remarkable escape story. Gabhaim buíochas leis an Chathaoirleach for his role in putting this motion together and I thank the people in Fremantle very much for supporting us in our endeavours to have this event properly commemorated here on the island of Ireland.