Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am not sure the Minister has fully answered the question I asked but it is interesting and informative to hear about what is planned, particularly for events, seminars, lectures and so on, across our embassy network. It is hugely important we get full value from our embassy network and that our ambassadors and their support teams have an opportunity to inform and communicate with our partners all over the world about this important centenary. However, my specific question focuses on the invitation list, how it will be drawn up and the input, or otherwise, from the Minister's Department. My confidence in the Department of the Minister, Deputy Heather Humphreys, the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, has been shaken. It is important the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade leads on this. That Department's civil servants are the ones who are trained diplomatically and understand the sensitivities. Obviously, there is a huge element of sensitivity and very strong emotions and feelings, particularly when it comes to invitations to be extended across the water to the United Kingdom. Specifically, I would like hear the Minister's view on that. He is the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. We have had very significant improvements in our relations with the British Government over recent years and indeed with the Queen, and I would like to hear the Minister's views specifically on that.

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