Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 8: To ask the Minister for Defence if the current fiscal and budgetary crisis will result in Defence Forces participation in State ceremonies being reduced or withdrawn; the cost of involvement in such State ceremonies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42269/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The State ceremonies in which the Defence Forces have participated in the current year to date include the Easter Sunday commemorative event, the 1916 Arbour Hill commemoration ceremony, the national day of commemoration, the national Famine memorial day, presentation of credentials to the President, state visits by prime ministers and foreign Heads of State and state visits by the President, both inward and outward.

Participation of Defence Forces personnel at the annual commemorative events and in their role in support of the President are a small but important part of the duties of the Defence Forces. As the personnel are drawn from the cadre of the Defence Forces, no additional costs arise which would not otherwise be incurred in the normal course with the exception of the transportation of troops to the ceremonial location. The costs of such transportation are not compiled separately by my Department.

The support given to the President in respect of the programme of state travel, both visits abroad and incoming, and the acceptance of the credentials of ambassadors to Ireland is a matter for the Government. The President acts in these matters on the advice of the Government and the arrangements are made by the Government in accordance with the generally accepted international practice.

On the other hand, preparation for annual commemorative events involves liaison with a variety of Departments, State bodies and individual organisations. The level of support provided by the Defence Forces is determined by the nature of the event. Discussions have already begun between officials in my Department, the Defence Forces and officials from the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs on the national Famine memorial day which is to be held in Mayo next May. Officials from my Department and Defence Forces personnel are represented on the interdepartmental committee which organises the annual Easter Sunday event that commemorates the 1916 Rising. Detailed planning for this event usually starts early in the first quarter of each year.

Planned expenditure levels for my Department will be considered as part of the Estimates and budgetary process for 2010. The scale and level of participation at each ceremonial event will be determined by the availability of resources. However, I do not envisage any change in the existing arrangements.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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I welcome the Minister's response. It is important that the country should see its Defence Forces as much as possible and their participation in events such as 1916 commemorations serve to heighten the importance of such events. I have stated previously that Defence Forces participation raises the sense of occasion. It also demonstrates to the people that while the Defence Forces may be small in numbers, they are highly efficient and, in the Minister's words, are lean and mean. In themselves, they make a statement for the country. In particular, it is important to put our best foot forward on occasions when dignitaries visit and the Defence Forces do so. Can the Minister provide an assurance that the existing services being provided by the Defence Forces will be retained in State ceremonies? In addition, does the Minister envisage an extension of their role to other parts of the country apart from Dublin, particularly in respect of 1916 commemorations? Might there be a possibility in the future for people from different communities to see the Defence Forces in parade at some major events?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I do not envisage an extension or expansion of such activities at present. However, I do not envisage any reduction either. As for 1916, Deputy Deenihan is aware the Government is planning for the centenary. It is a slow process and the next meeting of the long-term planning committee will be held on 2 December. As the Deputy is aware, 1916 is now commemorated on an annual basis. This is done in a short ceremony which involves the reading of the Proclamation, the laying of a wreath by the President and the raising of the flag. This again will be the procedure next Easter. However, I appreciate and take on board the points made by Deputy Deenihan on the importance of such ceremonial events, as well as his comments on the Defence Forces and their participation therein and I will pass them on.

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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In his reply, the Minister did not mention St. Patrick's Day parades and Defence Forces participation therein. May I take it from his most recent reply that there will be participation in St. Patrick's Day parades by the Permanent Defence Force and that the usual large contingent will go to Limerick?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I have had representations from many parts of the country regarding participation in St. Patrick's Day parades and I have asked the Army to be as generous as possible. In addition to taking part in the aforementioned official events, the Army also takes part in many civic events such as shows, aerial displays etc., as well as sometimes providing tents for organisations that are holding meetings. While the Department naturally must now monitor such activities due to our straitened circumstances, I assure Deputy O'Shea that I will continue to be as generous as I possibly can and I certainly will not turn down any request simply because it happens to come from Waterford.