Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would like to reignite the Deputy's confidence in the commemoration process by inviting her to participate. We are now in the process of consultation which is important in the context of any plan. If this Government were to present a plan without any form of consultation, not only with Members of this House but with the wider community, I am sure we would be subject to the type of criticism which in the circumstances would be both fair and reasonable. We are now in the course of this consultation phase. I have an open mind as to who might be invited from overseas. This is a vitally important event in our decade of commemorations, undoubtedly the most important aspect of the commemorative decade, and it is important that there be an international dimension of the type I pointed out in respect of our embassy network abroad. I have no doubt there will be opportunity for dignitaries and other Heads of State to pay a visit in the course of that year. I would welcome that and I look forward to it.

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