Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister's response. It is important that the country should see its Defence Forces as much as possible and their participation in events such as 1916 commemorations serve to heighten the importance of such events. I have stated previously that Defence Forces participation raises the sense of occasion. It also demonstrates to the people that while the Defence Forces may be small in numbers, they are highly efficient and, in the Minister's words, are lean and mean. In themselves, they make a statement for the country. In particular, it is important to put our best foot forward on occasions when dignitaries visit and the Defence Forces do so. Can the Minister provide an assurance that the existing services being provided by the Defence Forces will be retained in State ceremonies? In addition, does the Minister envisage an extension of their role to other parts of the country apart from Dublin, particularly in respect of 1916 commemorations? Might there be a possibility in the future for people from different communities to see the Defence Forces in parade at some major events?

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