Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 September 2012
263. Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked 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]
View answerIn 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.
