Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

I am sure people of all persuasions and religious beliefs and none will be able to join in celebrating the sacrifice of the men of 1916. In so far as celebrating the other traditions, we will also have a commemoration for the people who died in the battle of the Somme in the first week of July. The Government will be represented on the annual national remembrance day as usual. I agree with Deputy McGrath that Independent Deputies and their representatives have an important part to play. That is why the Taoiseach decided they should be part of the steering committee. I look forward to hearing their contributions.

I do not agree with the Deputy that successive Governments turned their backs on the situation for the past 30 years. It was an annual event until 1971, when the Government decided to discontinue it because of the difficulties in Northern Ireland. I take the Deputy's point about France and the United States. However, they did not have a similar situation to what we had in 1971. I was not involved in politics at the time. I understand the Government was advised that it was inappropriate to celebrate 1916 with a military parade at a time when part of this country was engaged in major strife. We have decided to revive the tradition and I am glad of that.

Regarding focusing on disadvantage and wider cultural events, Deputy McGrath or his representative on the steering group will be able to input. We are reviving a tradition and a ceremony that took place up to 1971, which was a one-day operation involving a military parade followed by a reception in recognition of the people who participated and their relatives. What Deputy McGrath mentioned is appropriate. However, it is more appropriate to the centenary celebrations, which will be a major event and will continue for more than one day. We look forward to hearing the Deputy's contributions in the committee.

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