A BILL to recognise January 21 as Ireland’s national Independence Day has passed all stages in the Seanad – and could be written into law in time for the 100th anniversary of the first Dáil.
The Declaration of Independence Day Bill is now likely to come before the Dáil in the autumn.
The Bill, tabled by Fianna Fáil Senator Keith Swanick, proposes formally recognising January 21 as Ireland’s Declaration of Independence Day.
It was on this date in 1919 that the inaugural meeting of the first Dáil took place in the Round Room at Dublin’s Mansion House.
'Imperative'
Speaking after the Bill passed in the Seanad today, Swanick said it was only right that such an important date in Irish history was celebrated.
“No one party should claim ownership or attempt to claim ownership of the first Dáil or the Declaration of Independence,” he said.
“There will always be difference of opinion about how we remember the past but I believe it is not only appropriate, but imperative, that this momentous day in our history be formally recognised on an annual basis.
"As we are all aware, the first meeting of Dáil Éireann took place in the Mansion House on the afternoon of 21 January 1919. It was a brief meeting, lasting just a couple of hours but they were 2 of the most momentous hours in Ireland's history." #DeclarationofIndependenceDayBill pic.twitter.com/S1zbIsiDTv
— Keith Swanick (@DrKeithSwanick) July 5, 2018
“I would like to thank my colleagues from all parties and none for the overwhelming support which they have given me with regards to this Bill, and I am hopeful that it will receive similar support when it comes before the Dáil in the autumn.
“The 100th anniversary of the first Dáil is next January and it would be timely if this legislation was enacted before then.”
While there are no plans for January 21 to be classified as a public holiday, it is hoped the day will provide schools, public bodies and community groups with an opportunity to commemorate a hugely important day in a patriotic way.
