Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senators for their thoughtful, considered and constructive contributions. I appreciate their openness and sincerity in the course of what has been a very informative debate. It is somewhat apt that 16 Senators have contributed.

I thank Senator Daly for his kind comments. He and Senator White are members of the all-party Oireachtas working group on commemorations. Senator Daly's proposal regarding the Garden of Remembrance is a good one, as is his suggestion on the distribution of information packs. Engagement with schools will be central to our preparations and consultations.

Senators Keane, Bacik, White and others referred to the role of women in the events of the decade we are commemorating.

I am mindful of the role of women in the movement during the decade of centenaries, and I will ensure that women are accorded their due recognition. I am committed to remembering the important role that women played socially and politically.

The President laid a wreath in Glasnevin Cemetery to commemorate Cumann na mBan. A plaque was also unveiled in Wynn's Hotel to commemorate that organisation and there was a conference in Collins Barracks. As Senator White noted, "Women of the Irish Revolution: A Photographic History" will be launched this evening at Richmond Barracks.

The tenement museum project, which evolved from the 1913 Lock-out events, will take on board the social and economic impacts of the decade, which were mostly felt by women. It is also important to take account of the human dimension and the human sacrifice. Reference has been made to the parades. They need to be inclusive, and we also need to include our new communities. I want all of these suggestions to feed into this plan and the consultation.

I want to engage with the relatives. I have said very clearly that my door is open. I want to engage with them to get their views and ideas on the commemorations. I met a number of relatives' groups. Last Tuesday I met one such group and its PR consultant. It was a very positive meeting and we all agreed to work together. For some reason, this group decided not to attend the event yesterday evening. I was disappointed that it made such a decision but I remain open to working with it.