asked the Minister for Defence in view of the special significance of the 1916 Easter Rising in the history of Dublin City, if he will arrange that the traditional military parade will take place on Easter Sunday this year, on the unique occasion of the Millennium celebrations.

The heavy demands, which the preparation and training for such an event would impose on the operational commitments of the Permanent Defence Force, preclude the holding of a military parade at Easter this year.

In view of the special significance the 1916 Rising has in the history of Dublin, will the Minister consider any form of special ceremony to mark the Rising during this Millennium Year as it is such a unique occasion? Is there any type of ceremony he could consider?

As the organisation and preparation of such an event would impose very heavy operational costs, the Minister at this time does not consider that is desirable. However, I will bring the Deputy's views to the attention of the Minister, but following the recommendations of the Oireachtas all-party committee that a national day of commemoration be celebrated annually on the Sunday nearest 11 July, concentration in this area has centred mainly around that. I will convey the Deputy's views to the Minister and he may communicate directly with him about it.

I appreciate the reply. I accept that the traditional parade would probably be too great a burden on the Army at this time but could the Minister indicate his attitude to commemorating the 1916 Rising in some special way during the Millennium Year?

The organisation of an event like this causes some considerable dislocation in the Army. It should be noted that approximately 2,500 troops are required to mount a worthwhile parade, not to mention transport, equipment and so on. I appreciate the Deputy's point of view and I will bring it to the attention of the Minister and see if anything can be done.

Leaving aside the 2,500 troops and so on, could some ceremony on a much smaller scale be considered that would not involve serious dislocation?

I will ask the Minister to examine that but, as I pointed out, it would call for very heavy commitments and demands on the forces. The Minister's view at this time is that concentrated efforts should be on the commemoration that the Oireachtas all-party committee recommended.