Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 to 10, inclusive, together.

I am very conscious of the enduring significance of the historic events of the early 20th century that culminated in the establishment of the State. Commemorative initiatives should seek to generate an enhanced understanding by the generations of today and the future of these important events in our national history. The official commemorative programme will be organised on a consultative and inclusive basis, contributing towards improved understanding and acceptance by all traditions.

Mindful of the fundamental importance of the centenary anniversaries to arise in the coming years, I envisage a comprehensive programme that will not only commemorate these events sequentially, but also seek to explore the issues thematically, presenting them anew to modern generations. An appreciation of the economic, social and cultural life of the Irish people in the years before the Easter Rising is essential to an informed understanding of the political and military history.

My Department is engaged in a programme that will include all other Departments, agencies and services in preparing a framework for commemorations. In addition to this official consideration, I envisage that the commemorative initiative will include an opportunity for all interested persons and groups to make proposals and submissions. I would like the commemorative programme to comprise not only the official initiatives, but also regional, local and community activities relating to persons, themes and events of relevance. Complementary efforts by national associations and cultural and sporting organisations will also be welcome.

Arrangements are also in place for a special consultation with parties in the Oireachtas on the draft programme. As the Deputies are aware, I have asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Deputy Deenihan, to chair an Oireachtas consultation group in respect of these centenary commemorations. I am grateful for the nominations received from party leaders and groups in this regard. The consultation group now includes Senator Mary White of the Fianna Fáil Party, Senator Mark Daly of the Fianna Fáil Party, Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh and Senator Kathryn Reilly of Sinn Féin and Deputes Catherine Murphy and Maureen O'Sullivan from the Independent group. I understand that this consultation group met in July and will meet again shortly.

With regard to the specific inquiry about current arrangements, the Easter Rising is commemorated annually at the GPO in Dublin. The annual parade by the Defence Forces, in abeyance since the 1970s, was re-instated in 2006. In subsequent years, there has been a military ceremony taking place in front of the General Post Office on O'Connell Street. There are no current proposals to amend these annual arrangements, although I expect that special arrangements will be made for the centenary anniversary in 2016.

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