Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Deputy McLellan that local groups must get assistance for next year. There are a lot of plans. I hope to put a small fund in place to assist them. I have asked local authorities to assist local groups also. As I know from my own experience running small festivals, local groups can provide considerable value for money with a very small allocation.

I agree with Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan. I see no movements to date by anyone to hijack these events. The year 1916 belongs to all of us. Every political party in the Chamber can trace its origins back to 1916. It is very important that there is a very inclusive event of which everyone feels part. The nation must feel part of it and it must not be hijacked or monopolised by anyone. I agree with the Deputy. It is very much my philosophy as well and it informs how I have fulfilled my function as chairman of the commemorations committee. I have emphasised that the focus is on those who participated in the events of 1916, not anyone else. Certainly, that will be my vision for the 1916 commemoration. I thank the Deputy for her comments.

I agree with Deputy O'Sullivan that community involvement will be very important, with an emphasis on the cultural side of 1916. I note the cultural movements which led to the leaders of 1916 being inspired to do what they did.

That includes movements such as the Gaelic League, the GAA and others at the time that played a critical role in influencing people to make sacrifices on our behalf and to ensure we would be in this House today.

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