Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the way relatives of those who fought in the GPO during the 1916 Easter Rising can receive invitations to the annual commemoration; the structures being put in place to ensure that they are involved in the centenary celebrations in 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40145/12]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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In the context of arrangements for commemoration of the Easter Rising and other significant events of that time, I have been very pleased to meet several people with family connections to the leaders and activists of the period. I warmly welcome their interest and association with the developing programme of commemorations. Although it is sometimes necessary to reserve places at commemorations for persons attending in a representative capacity, the general consideration is to afford public access to the greatest extent. I and my colleagues in government place a strong emphasis on the desirability to accommodate as many people as possible at each commemorative event and this will continue through the programme.

I can assure the Deputy that any requests that may be received from individuals in this regard will be given careful consideration.