Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 285: To ask the Minister for Defence if, as part of the commemorative activities leading up to the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Rising, he will make available from the commemoration budget financial support for the making of the feature film currently being produced on James Connolly, which deals particularly with Connolly's role in the 1916 Rising and will be the first feature film dealing specifically with one of the leaders of the Rising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19787/06]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, the Government has entered into an all-party consultation process in the Oireachtas with regard to an appropriate commemorative programme for the centenary of the Easter Rising. I intend to convene the next meeting of the consultation group shortly. The Group will be invited to reflect on a broad range of possibilities, which could include a special framework to provide official support for initiatives in diverse sectors with specific relevance to the period of the Rising. Before responding on any particular project, I would like the Group to address the appropriate time frame, scale and scope of such a programme. However, without prejudice to the deliberations of the all-party group, I welcome the initiative to make a film of the life of James Connolly and I have no doubt that such a film could assist in developing an enhanced understanding of his achievements and times.