Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There are very exciting plans. As you are aware, Chairman, the national programme was launched yesterday evening in Collins Barracks. It is a very exciting programme. I was delighted that people who had some concerns are now very positive and supportive. The programme will attract considerable support and participation from everybody. The programme belongs to everyone. The main emphasis will be on ensuring that everyone in the country can embrace the programme at local school level, institutional level and nationally. Very exciting events will be promoted by the Government but also by the cultural institutions. I was delighted with the response received from people who had genuine concerns, for example, concerning the involvement of the families of those people who gave their lives for Ireland. They are now very much at the centre of the programme, which is the way it should be. A major emphasis will be placed on those who participated and gave their lives for Ireland, and their families who were affected by that. People have been reassured that they will be the central focus of the commemoration.

I mentioned the Global Civic Forum. We will launch the international programme at the Global Civic Forum. It will be a very good platform for it. We are developing plans for the international programme, which will also be quite exciting. We will work through the embassies and consulates general. Culture Ireland will have a major role to play in it as well as other organisations. We will ensure that as part of the programme we will connect with all parts of the world. As you indicated, Chairman, I have travelled to a number of countries since I became Minister of State with responsibility for the diaspora. I have travelled nearly as much as you.