“The idea of celebrating and commemorating the Black and Tans is demonstrative of how out of touch this government is with the grass roots of Irish Citizens” – Fr Paddy Byrne.

“I think John McCrea would be horrified to think that this symbol could become a symbol of division, or national identity, or even a fashion statement. It is quite simply a symbol of memorial, of the grim reality of the terrible loss of life.”

Extended but never modernised, during the freezes of 2010 and 2011, some of the rooms were no warmer than 4 °C.

Ireland and the Holy See have some different perspectives and at times will have “difficult conversations”, but will also have many fruitful conversations about shared values – Minister Flanagan.

"Keep the shared hopes of present and future generations for a more reconciled and prosperous future to the forefront".