Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

The Minister will agree that the 90th anniversary commemoration was very successful and that the people were very impressed with what they saw. It was the first time many people actually saw our military in action in a major way and it gave out a very positive message, despite the military nature of the commemoration.

In so far as is possible, our military should be seen and we should be proud of their good discipline and organisation. Whenever an occasion arises to which the military can contribute, it should be encouraged to do so. Óglaigh na hÉireann is the legitimate Irish Army as defined by the Constitution. It is important it should be part of commemorating the Easter Rising, rather than any other so-called armies in this country. I would be well disposed to having the Army and the military more involved in commemorating events and more in public view than they have been.

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