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

It is unlikely there will be representatives of foreign states at our national events in Dublin. A wide range of international events from Paris to Brasilia and from Boston to Buenos Aires are being planned. Deputy Smith spoke of the regions. In the United States, where five of the seven signatories of the Proclamation spent periods of time, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, in partnership with the Irish Embassy, will host a flagship three week festival of Irish arts and culture. In France the first International Beckett Paris Festival will take place in 2016. A number of academic events are taking place next year in South America, including an exhibition on Roger Casement in Brasilia and an international conference on 1916 in Argentina in association with the University of El Salvador and the Irish Argentine community.

The Irish language also features in the global programme. Glór na nGael and the Consulate General of Ireland in Boston will hold a conference in 2016 bringing together Irish language groups from throughout the United States. Many of these events have been agreed upon while others are in the course of preparation. They will ensure that the events of 1916 and the centenary will be commemorated worldwide.

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