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Dáil Éireann - Volume 257 - 09 December, 1971 Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Anglo-Irish Treaty Commemoration. Mr. Begley Mr. Begley Mr. G. Lynch Mr. G. Lynch 6. Mr. G. Lynch and Mr. Begley asked the Taoiseach why no ceremonies were organised at Government level to mark the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty. The Taoiseach Jack Lynch The Taoiseach: It was decided by the Government that the event for which there should be a special State commemoration in relation to the year 1921 was the Anglo-Irish Truce of that year, and the 50th anniversary of the Truce was duly commemorated in July, 1971. 1560 [1560] As the Deputies are aware, a commemoration took place on the 21st January, 1969, of the 50th anniversary of the first meeting of the First Dáil Éireann, an event which is generally regarded as marking the establishment of the State. Mr. L'Estrange Mr. L'Estrange Mr. L'Estrange: Does the Taoiseach not admit that due to the narrow-mindedness of the Government they are not prepared to honour the architects, the founders of this State, men like Griffith and Collins? The Taoiseach Jack Lynch The Taoiseach: The question relates to commemoration of the signing of the Treaty. Mr. L'Estrange Mr. L'Estrange Mr. L'Estrange: That is what is at the back of your minds all the time. You have never paid tribute to those two great men. You are jealous of them and have never given them their place in Irish history. Mr. Coogan Mr. Coogan Mr. Coogan: Where was the Taoiseach on Sunday? The Taoiseach Jack Lynch The Taoiseach: We have suggested a ceremony to do honour to all those who died in the Civil War. That would include Collins and Griffith. Mr. L'Estrange Mr. L'Estrange Mr. L'Estrange: They were national figures. The Taoiseach Jack Lynch The Taoiseach: This is something that has been alleged against me. When this matter was discussed about a year ago I referred to Arthur Griffith as being a Civil War figure. It was alleged against me that I said the same of Michael Collins. I did not say the same of Michael Collins but had I done so I would not have in any way felt I was denigrating either Griffith or Collins because I would equally refer to Seán Lemass and Éamon de Valera as Civil War figures. Mr. T.J. Fitzpatrick (Cavan) Mr. T.J. Fitzpatrick (Cavan) Mr. T.J. Fitzpatrick (Cavan): Does the Taoiseach not accept that the Treaty was, in fact, the effective instrument through which this State was set up and through which every development in our national progress has been made? An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Denis Francis Jones An Leas-Cheann Comhairle: This is enlarging the substance of the question. Mr. Hilliard Mr. Hilliard 1561 [1561] Mr. Hilliard: They split the national movement. Mr. T.J. Fitzpatrick (Cavan) Mr. T.J. Fitzpatrick (Cavan) Mr. T.J. Fitzpatrick (Cavan): Does the Taoiseach not think that that being so he should have commemorated it and that at least when he was speaking in London on the 50th anniversary of the signing of the instrument he should have made a reference to it? No answer? Mr. L'Estrange Mr. L'Estrange Mr. L'Estrange: They are trying to split your own party now. Mr. J. Brennan Mr. J. Brennan Mr. J. Brennan: The Deputy is worried about that, I am sure. (Interruptions.) Dáil Éireann 257 Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. Anglo-Irish Treaty Commemoration. Questions 19711209
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