Dr. Martin Mansergh:

We should not make too much of a distinction between the local and national. Important local events have been attended by Ministers and other leading figures and they have spoken at the events. It is a question perhaps of who has the lead initiative. That was certainly the case in Soloheadbeg, where the local people, groups, colleges, etc., wanted to be in the lead role. However, they want the support of Government too and, depending on the event, people right up to the Taoiseach and the President. They have been getting support at that level too.

Since the whole process began, an extraordinary level of attention has been paid to leaving a legacy. One example is the community end of things. Let us consider the restoration of what is left of Richmond Barracks. It is used by the community constantly. The project was worthwhile, especially because it included the gymnasium where most of the prisoners were held temporarily. Other examples include the GPO museum, the upgrading of Kilmainham Gaol and Courthouse and, above all, the Bureau of Military History archives. School projects can use these documents, most of which are accessible on the Internet. Considerable attention has been paid to leaving a lasting legacy from this.

I might mention for the benefit of Deputy Ó Cuív that a new biography will be launched next week of Dorothy Macardle by Dr. Leeann Lane, one of the important historians of the period, albeit from a particular point of view.

One of the problems we have is that so much is going on involving so many different organisations in various counties and areas that it is difficult to have an overview of everything that is happening. People received broad guidance. We had meetings with country librarians, heritage officers, county councils and so on. Everyone is keen to participate and people are doing their own particular thing. It is by no means all centrally directed. We have been providing guidance rather than direction.