Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Any centenary commemoration of 1916 should be a State event. All parties in this House have members with forefathers who were in the GPO in 1916. Would the Taoiseach accept it was inappropriate to announce a commemoration at the Fianna Fáil Ard-Fheis rather on a national platform?

I thank the Taoiseach for his correspondence and have appointed Deputy Timmins, a former member of the Defence Forces, to participate in his group.

How does the Taoiseach see the ceremony unfolding? Will it be confined to O'Connell Street or will there be a military parade from two specified points?

What is the future for the national day of commemoration in the Royal Hospital which the Taoiseach has attended over the years, or the Fianna Fáil commemoration at Bodenstown?

The Taoiseach could have insisted on this parade many years ago when others claimed to be the true Óglaigh na hÉireann and he had to affirm in the House on many occasions that there was only one Irish Army.

Will it be a State ceremony in its entirety? What proposals have been made thus far? Will consideration be given to the fact that it might clash with St Patrick's Day, depending on the fall of Easter?

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