Mr. Conor Falvey:

The answer to Senator Marie-Louise O'Donnell's question is "No", at least as it is currently drafted. The Government decision was made in the context of there being Private Members' legislation under consideration by the Oireachtas. When dealing with host communities and when we want to involve schools in what might be outdoor events, there is a narrow window when the schools are open and the weather might be good enough, which is why the time between May and September is suggested. There may be a local consideration and some communities might have other stuff going on in May, and want to move it as a result. I appreciate that Oireachtas Members may have a view as to whether that is a good idea. The tendency has been to facilitate that, which means September. I have not been involved in every event since 2008 but this tends to be the reason, rather than a particular person being unavailable. Having said that, the Government was clearly convinced last April of the wisdom of settling on a date. This is the basis on which all State ceremonial and commemorative events take place but, ultimately, it is a matter for the Oireachtas to decide as to what legislation it is going to provide. We can only ask that, in doing so, it reflects on these different elements to decide whether it is appropriate to legislate for them.