Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

The question I was asked is the one I am answering, namely, what happens annually. I do not wish to be rude but the Deputy might listen again to the key point in my response. I reiterate that there is an all-party group dealing with this issue. It is not only one side of the House, but all sides that will put their perspectives on the commemoration.

The Defence Forces will have a critical part to play, as they always do. As one who attends as often as I can, I can state it is an Army officer who reads the 1916 Proclamation. The President has a very important place in our Constitution in regard to the Army. He - or she, as was the case last year - is present. As one who has a relative who fought in the Old IRA, I am very proud of this ceremony and I hope to be present on the day to commemorate all those people.

As to the Deputy's reference to the British Army, the history of this country shows that this year, when the Queen of England attended in the Garden of Remembrance, in the presence of the Army, proper and due respect was shown by all sides to our history. Our past - our history - was properly and respectfully addressed on that occasion so I do not see any commemoration as being confrontational in respect of anybody else. Our Oireachtas will make the recommendations to the Minister. The ceremony will be all-inclusive in terms of our nation and its parties and it will honour and respect the great sacrifices Irish soldiers have made throughout the years in the service of our country, both here and abroad.

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