asked the Taoiseach the number of meetings held by the Committee on the National Day of Commemoration; if he has received a report and recommendation from the committee; if not, when he expects such a report; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The Informal All-Party Oireachtas Committee on the National Day of Commemoration held four meetings. The committee's report and recommendations were received by the Government and their decision in the matter is contained in a statement issued by the Government Information Services on 22 October.

Is it now proposed that one general commemoration ceremony will be held on a particular day for all the people who died for Ireland?

The proposal is that there be a national day of commemoration. A day on which the State and the nation will recognise Irish people who died in wars anywhere and we are commending the recommendation in that respect.