Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for her questions. As regards the €4 million in additional funding for the 2016 commemorations, I was clear from the start that I wanted community involvement in them. Of course we will have the major parades which are all very much Dublin focused, but I want to give all citizens an opportunity to participate and engage with 2016. For that reason, 25% of the €4 million budget has been allocated to local authorities. We have met the city and county CEOs and I welcome the fact that they are keen to get involved and be part of the 2016 commemorations. Liaison officers and commemoration committees have been appointed in every local authority and we will be working closely with them. They will be able to roll out local programmes, involving heritage officers, museum curators and arts officers from all local authorities in every county. I am happy that they are keen to become involved. The year 2016 will be for all citizens in the whole country and will not be confined to events in particular places where the Rising took place.

Deputy McEntee mentioned the Hay festival with which I am familiar. It is a very successful literary festival and we will try to support it as best we can. I will examine whatever application is sent in.