Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

I take it that no new commemorations are contemplated. May I ask the Taoiseach about the campaign that has been under way for some time for an appropriate commemoration of the Famine and whether the Government has formed any view on that issue? The view of those campaigning is that the Government is positive towards it. That may be down to the Taoiseach's easy facility to communicate positive vibes when the situation is otherwise. If it is positive, which it should be, he will, no doubt, tell me.

Did I understand that the Government may contemplate commemorations of 1916 outside key anniversaries in some non-military fashion? Does the Taoiseach contemplate such a non-military commemoration for 2007? Did he say this is subject to consultation with other parties? My colleague, Deputy McManus, advises me that the all-party committee met once last Easter but has not met since. Will the Taoiseach clarify whether the Government intends to proceed with a commemoration next year? Is he saying a commemoration of the first Dáil is not ruled out by the Government and that, in the relevant year, this significant landmark development in our history is likely to be commemorated?

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