Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)

The Minister of State, Deputy McGinley, said the 1916 Rising centenary commemorations will highlight Ireland's culture, language and poetry rather than the military ceremonies of the past. The Taoiseach stated he was keen to involve all parties in the State and wished to set up an inclusive structure that will have an all-Ireland dimension. It remains unclear what role the Defence Forces, heirs to those who fought in the Rising and the War of Independence, will have in the commemoration if emphasis is to be placed on other elements. Will the Minister of State confirm whether British military personnel will be involved in the commemoration, if the Minister for Defence sees the 1916 Rising as having primacy of place in the various centennial anniversaries in the coming years and if the Defence Forces will play a central part in that?

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