Written answers

Tuesday, 28 March 2006

Department of Defence

Commemorative Events

11:00 pm

Photo of Bernard AllenBernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 60: To ask the Minister for Defence the preparations the Defence Forces have carried out for the Easter parade commemoration in 2006. [11854/06]

Photo of John McGuinnessJohn McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 72: To ask the Minister for Defence the involvement of the Defence Forces in the preparation and organisation of the 2006 Easter 1916 commemoration parade; the proposed format for the parade; the vehicles to be used in the parade; the way in which the Defence Forces record of service with the United Nations will be represented in the parade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11736/06]

Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 77: To ask the Minister for Defence if the Civil Defence will take part in the 2006 Easter commemoration parade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11856/06]

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 79: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will expand on his recent comments that efforts will be made to ensure that the upcoming Easter Rising commemoration in Dublin will not be hijacked by similar elements to those who were involved in rioting in Dublin during the Love Ulster parade; if he has met the Garda and Defence Forces to discuss security arrangements for the parade; his views on whether it is necessary to increase security following the events at the Love Ulster march; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11776/06]

Photo of Willie O'DeaWillie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 60, 72, 77 and 79 together.

The Easter Rising of 1916 will be commemorated by a military parade in Dublin on Sunday, 16 April 2006. Preparations for the parade, as announced by the Taoiseach last October, are being made by the Defence Forces. Approximately 2,500 personnel representing all branches of the forces together with representatives of ex-service personnel and veterans of UN service will be included. The parade will also include members of the Garda Síochána, representing their service abroad with the United Nations. A fly past by the Air Corps is also envisaged.

There are a total of 60 military vehicles scheduled to participate in the parade. The vehicles selected are drawn from all corps and formations and are representative of the equipment currently in use in the Defence Forces. The Defence Forces record of service with the United Nations will be marked by the carrying of flags of all nations in which Defence Force Personnel have served on UN duty. The unit colours of all military units of the Defence Forces which deployed overseas will also be carried. A representative group of approximately 150 personnel from the Irish United Nations Veterans Association will march in the parade.

It is not envisaged that volunteers from Civil Defence will take part in this year's parade which is primarily focused on the Defence Forces, ex-servicemen, United Nations veterans and members of the police in recognition of their service abroad. However, consideration will be given to participation by Civil Defence in the centenary celebrations in 2016.

The parade will depart from Dublin Castle, passing through Dame Street, College Green and O'Connell Street. There will be a reading of the Proclamation outside the GPO and appropriate military honours will be rendered. The event will be televised live and it will be possible to view the parade along the route from Dublin Castle to O'Connell Street. This 90th anniversary of the Rising will also be marked by a wreath laying ceremony in Kilmainham Gaol earlier that morning and by a Government reception at Dublin Castle that evening.

Officials of my Department and officers of the Defence Forces are represented on an inter-departmental working group, chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach, which is overseeing all the logistical arrangements for the parade and associated events. This group meets regularly and includes, inter alia, representatives from the Garda Síochána, Dublin City Council, the fire services, and the Office of Public Works. As the Deputies will appreciate many logistical issues such as the parade route, road closures, health and safety regulations, publicity, etc., have to be addressed as well as the security arrangements for the event and this group is dealing with these issues.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.