Michael Kennedy (Dublin North, Fianna Fail)
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Question 204: To ask the Minister for Finance his views on the request of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin who has suggested an annual soccer game be played in the Island of Ireland Peace Park in Belgium, as a memorial to those soldiers from both sides of the First World War forces who stopped fighting on Christmas Day 1914 in order to pursue an unofficial ceasefire; if he will advise the person on the way the matter might be pursued; and if he will give his support to the matter. [39675/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The Island of Ireland Peace Park at Messines (Mesen), Belgium was opened on 11 November 1998 to commemorate all those from the island of Ireland, from all political and religious traditions, who fought and died in the First World War. On behalf of the Irish and British Governments, the park is jointly managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) and the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) in Northern Ireland.

The Park is a place of commemoration and reflection and a memorial to those Irishmen who died in the First World War. Because of the configuration and layout of the Island of Ireland Peace Park it would not be possible to hold a football match, but I understand that arrangements are being made by the Irish Embassy in Belgium to hold a commemorative match at a suitable venue nearby.