Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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6. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which the preparations for the 1916 commemoration continue in line with targets and expectations; the extent to which all those associated with 1916 are duly recognised in a sensitive, meaningful, and respectful way; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10178/15]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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This question seeks to obtain an update on the preparations. While it is somewhat similar to the last question, its emphasis is on the need to ensure a solemn and sensitive commemoration in keeping with the ideals and aspirations of those who were involved in the 1916 uprising, while recognising the need for inclusiveness, in the context that we have inherited what they envisaged.

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The objective of the Ireland 2016 initiative, which I am leading and which was formally launched on 12 November 2014, is to develop, co-ordinate and deliver a programme to honour and remember those who fought or died in the Rising and to recognise all the people whose lives were touched by the events of 1916. It also will reflect on the legacy of that period and will look towards the future, based on the themes set out in the Government's framework plan. I am committed, together with my Government colleagues, to ensuring that the commemorations to mark the centenary in 2016 will be inclusive, appropriate and respectful.

Together with my officials, I have engaged with a wide range of stakeholders, including the mayors, cathaoirligh and senior officials of local authorities, Departments and State agencies, as well as national cultural institutions. I am also engaging with the Oireachtas all-party group on commemorations and the expert advisory group on commemorations.

The relatives of those who fought and those who died during the Rising will play a key role in the Ireland 2016 programme, and I am actively engaging with them to ensure they will have a central involvement in a number of key State events and that their views on the overall programme are considered. My officials and I have met with a number of relatives, including representatives of relatives’ groups and individual relatives, to highlight the important role they will have in the plans to commemorate the centenary of the events of Easter 1916. My Department also is working closely with the Departments of the Taoiseach and Defence to ensure that a full programme of State commemorative events is developed that is respectful to all those who were affected by the events of the Rising.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister for her comprehensive reply. I also mention the need to recognise the role played by Cumann na mBan and by some people who were pacifists, such as Francis Sheehy-Skeffington, as well as other people who were involved who were not necessarily in agreement but who became part of what it was at the time, which we now have inherited. The point about inclusiveness to which the Minister referred is of huge importance, as we must try to ensure that everyone is recognised for his or her own particular contribution while recognising, as Members should now, that it was not a popular thing to do at the time. There was quite an amount of antipathy towards it, but it was a landmark decision at a highly sensitive time in our history.

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I accept what the Deputy is saying on the need to recognise the role of women and, in particular, Cumann na mBan. Their contribution must be recognised. I recently visited Lissadell House, and while one can see the important role played by Countess Markievicz in the events of 1916 and her subsequent election to Parliament, and the important role women played in the Rising, one also can see how they then sort of faded into the background. I note that 100 years later, the Oireachtas has passed legislation to have women make up 30% of the names on the ballot paper at the next election. While it is very important to show the role women played, I also want people to consider how they then faded away into the background, leaving us in a position today in which we must get more women involved in politics. The Deputy also mentioned the need to remember all these people. An important thing that emerged in other commemorations was the personal stories that people will tell. These stories also bring a greater understanding to the events of the time as to why people became involved and what encouraged them to take the stand they took. All of this is extremely important.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister. My last point is on the need for a solemn occasion without triumphalism. At this time in our history, it is appropriate to bring together all the various strands of thought that have prevailed in Ireland for hundreds of years. I believe it will be an ideal time to do it, and I thank the Minister for her reply.

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I agree with the Deputy about the need for a solemn occasion. The parade on Easter Sunday will be a very solemn occasion as we remember those who lost their lives, as that is the ultimate sacrifice.

We also need to be respectful and inclusive and it needs to be appropriate. I agree that it is not something about which we need to be triumphalist. It will be a solemn occasion. As we go through the year, it is important that we hear the stories. Historians and others will be interested in giving their opinions, and by listening to them we will gain a much greater understanding and appreciation of the event.