Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 87: To ask the Minister for Defence if, in view of the success of the Easter commemoration, he intends to make this an annual event; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17186/06]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 128: To ask the Minister for Defence if he intends to hold a military parade at Easter 2007, similar to the 2006 parade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17132/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 87 and 128 together.

I would like to take this opportunity, to congratulate the Defence Forces on their magnificent display at the Easter Parade. I believe that there was great public approval and support for the commemorations of the Easter Rising. I have received a lot of positive feedback from members of the public, both written and oral, who were delighted to see the modern Defence Forces given an opportunity to parade through our capital city.

This widespread public approval was also evident at the other events organized by the National Museum of Ireland, the National Library and at other initiatives by colleges, community groups and within political parties which were not part of the official programme. It was also visible at the annual 1916 Defence Forces commemorative event at Arbour Hill last Wednesday.

In relation to Easter 2007 and future years, no fundamental decision has yet been reached regarding the format of the commemoration. Obviously, there was a huge significance to this year's event being the 90th Anniversary and also marking the reinstatement of an annual commemoration. From this year on, there will be a significant annual commemoration of the Rising of 1916 on Easter Sunday with a military component. However, the exact nature of this event has not yet been formulated. Indeed, given that we have some time to plan for Easter 2007 and subsequent years, I would welcome suggestions from all sides of the House in relation to the format that should be taken for these events.

I would propose that such suggestions should be channelled through the various opposition representatives who have been nominated to the All Party Oireachtas Committee on the Centenary celebrations. I would hope that the next meeting of this group will be held shortly and that time would be spent at that meeting considering any suggestions regarding the format of ceremonies for 2007 and subsequent years. I await your suggestions with interest.

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 89: To ask the Minister for Defence the cost arising from the Defence Forces' participation in the military parade to mark the 90th anniversary of the Easter Rising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17215/06]

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

The total costs to the Defence Forces in respect of the 90th Anniversary of the Easter Rising was €214,663.69. This figure is broken down as follows: