COMMEMORATION OF THE FALLEN IRISH MEN AND WOMEN OF THE GREAT WAR

That this House supports and encourages initiatives to promote peace in Ireland and further develop the warm and friendly relations between Britain, Northern Ireland and the Republic of recent years by commemorating the men and women from the Island of Ireland who lost their lives during the First World War; recognises the achievements of the Journey of Reconciliation Trust under the leadership of Glen Barr, OBE, from Northern Ireland and Paddy Harte, honorary OBE, from the Republic of Ireland in inspiring the Island of Ireland Peace Park at Messines, Belgium, in the Ypres salient where the 16th (Irish) and the 36th (Ulster) Divisions fought side by side in June 1917 during the battle for the Messines Ridge; and is encouraged by the positive discussions with the government of the Irish Republic to ensure that the heroism and sacrifice of Irishmen awarded the Victoria Cross during the Great War is remembered with the laying of commemorative paving stones in their home counties in the Irish Republic.