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

The focus this year is very much on the outbreak of the First World War which must be commemorated properly because 49,000 Irish men and women died during it. There will then be a major focus on the 1916 Rising and, as I have repeated many times, the participants will be the families of those who were affected in any way by it. Almost 2,000 people were involved in 1916, including 200 members of Cumann na mBan and the Irish Citizen Army, who must be acknowledged. Regarding invited guests, there will be plenty of opportunities for people to share common platforms, while retaining the focus on those who were affected or participated. My Department's website offers people an opportunity to contribute. Century Ireland, an online historical newspaper published fortnightly, is attracting much attention. Last year I held a special seminar for local authorities to emphasise how they could be involved and embrace the commemorations. If the Deputy has other ideas, will she, please, pass them on? I have listened to her in the past and will do so in the future. The next significant event to commemorate will be the Howth gun running, in which there will be major community involvement.

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