Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I welcome the concept and plan to commemorate 1916. Does the Minister agree that part of the celebrations and commemorations should include all political persuasions, inside and outside the House, and ensure that all traditions and all religions, including Catholic, Protestant and dissenter, are involved in the celebration? Does the Minister agree that Independent Deputies and members of the Technical Group will also have an important role to play on this committee?

Does the Minister accept that successive Governments have turned their backs on the 1916 commemoration during the past 30 years? This is sad for our country and nation, when compared with the celebrations in France and Independence Day in the United States. We should celebrate it, particularly with regard to issues of equality.

Part of any celebration or commemoration, especially in light of the teachings of James Connolly, should be programmes, projects and investment targeted at the most disadvantaged of our society. That would be a true commemoration of the men and women of 1916.

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