Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 May 2014
42. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the discussions he has had regarding inviting members of the British royal family to the 1916 commemorations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19928/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra43. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has asked any other Heads of State here to commemorate 1916; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19929/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 42 and 43 together.
The centenary of the Rising in 2016 will be the centre-piece of the Government’s decade of commemorations programme. The format and programme for the 2016 commemoration in Dublin is still under consideration. In September 2013, in my speech to the British-Irish Association, I noted a responsibility to be attentive and respectful of all traditions on this island in our approach to the decade of commemorations. In that context, I expressed the hope that the Government would host representatives of the British Royal Family and the British Government, along with leaders of Irish unionism, in Dublin to mark the centenary of the Easter Rising. The commemoration will be a unique opportunity to promote Ireland internationally. In that context the attendance of our international partners will of course be considered in the coming period.
