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

The principal focus is on those who participated in the events in question. Last November, for example, we held a very dignified ceremony to mark the establishment of the Volunteers. As has been acknowledged, we also had a very dignified ceremony in Glasnevin Cemetery to mark the establishment of Cumann na mBan, followed by a seminar in Wynn's Hotel to mark the occasion. The focus was on the individuals who were involved at the time and their families.

That is how I want to keep it, ensuring the focus is on those who participated and their families. That will be the focus of the 1916 commemorations. I want all those who were in any way associated with it to be involved.

There was major community involvement in the 1913 Lock-out commemoration. Anyone who was on O'Connell Street that day saw that there was a major local input, as there will be in the commemoration of the Howth gun running. Wherever appropriate, there will be local involvement, as has manifested to date. The commemorations section in my Department is working very closely with all community groups, where appropriate.

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