Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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509. To ask the Minister for Defence if he has responded to the issues raised in a recent correspondence, details supplied, in relation to the 1916 Commemoration in Arbour Hill; if he will outline changes made by his Department in relation to the way the commemoration is carried out since he took office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17680/14]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The correspondence that the Deputy has referred to raises a wide range of issues in relation to the annual 1916 Commemoration in Arbour Hill. A detailed response has issued to the correspondent. A number of changes were made last year following a review of all aspects of the Commemoration and in response to some issues raised by relatives of those who fought in 1916.

Due to the increase in the number of requests to attend the Commemoration and the difficulties in accommodating all those who wish to attend in reserved seating, a review of the list of invitees was carried out. This process enabled my Department to update its records as appropriate and use this information to prioritise reserved seating for those who are a direct descendant of the leaders of the 1916 Rising and who are interred in Arbour Hill.

The arrangements for the procession that departs the Church for the graveside is a matter of protocol whereby the President, the Taoiseach, members of Government and the Council of State are invited to leave the Church first followed by the relatives who are direct descendants of the leaders. Additional stewarding was provided in the Church to manage this. In addition, a reserved area was provided for the relatives at the graveside. These measures were put in place to ensure that the relatives are looked after in a sensitive manner both in the Church and at the graveside.

The Military ceremonial element was removed from the Church on the basis that it is no longer considered appropriate that Military personnel would be requested to perform such a role in a religious ceremony. All other Military ceremonial functions were carried out to the full outside the Church and at the graveside in Arbour Hill Cemetery.

I would like to assure the Deputy that I am conscious of the importance of this annual Ceremony and to stress that the changes introduced were aimed at making the event more inclusive, and I am satisfied that this was achieved.