A budget for the commemorations has not yet been decided. I can only refer the Deputy to what the Minister for Finance stated in his budget speech about some funding being available for suitable projects. The committee will have to hold further discussions with him on that matter. The task of the steering committee will be to co-ordinate activities, not to dominate them.
The Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation has already announced the setting up of a millennium committee which seeks to deal with festivals and celebrations. Dublin Corporation has set up a company, Míle Átha Cliath, and has appointed a chief executive and a board. It has a list of projects which it wants to carry out. Various churches, organisations and local authorities are organising activities for the millennium. Our role as a steering committee will be to try to pull all that together and to put recommendations to Government about a small number of substantial projects which would properly and appropriately commemorate this important occasion.
I am conscious of the Deputy's remark about Christianity. It is important that we are inclusive. For example, we have tried to make the 1798 celebrations inclusive rather than cause further division or bitterness. I am opposed to any type of celebration of the millennium which would deepen divisions between churches or people.
As soon as the House goes into recess, I will reflect on the discussions in the House and consult widely on how best to proceed.