I second Senator Cullinane's amendment, as it would be helpful were the Minister to attend to discuss that important issue.

On a separate matter, the recent meeting in a Dublin city hotel regarding the commemoration of the 1916 Rising made for sad reading. A huge meeting, it was attended by the relatives of the 1916 patriots. They expressed disappointment at the lack of progress and information on the commemoration. It would be helpful if we did not have to wait for much longer to see precisely what the programme will be. I acknowledge that the Minister has invited the relatives to meet her. Indeed, she has indicated that the draft programme may be published in the coming days. However, it is not helpful to have a debate developing that could become politically divisive.

Hear, hear.

We should all be able to do one thing, that is, commemorate and celebrate our patriots.

Hear, hear.

That is what happens in every other country. We would not be an exception. We are not just referring to the militaristic aspect of the Rising. It is clear from the Proclamation that the 1916 leaders were far-seeing people. Even the budgetary provisions that we are discussing can, in many ways, reflect the Proclamation, which referred to cherishing all the children of the nation equally. We should not minimise that time in our history simply because we also want to commemorate other aspects of history. The relatives' fear is that the 1916 commemoration will be lost.

I have raised a question on the Order of Business three times regarding the volunteer, Thomas Kent, whose remains are lying in Cork jail. Everyone would agree that it is not a fitting place for the remains of such a brave man. Progress is being made, but I would like to see the same steps taken as were taken in respect of the forgotten ten volunteers, including Kevin Barry, buried in Mountjoy jail.

I still remember the outpouring of pride and affection at that time as tens of thousands of people lined the streets of Dublin when the cortège was passing through the city. I think the Minister will be committed to what we are trying to achieve here and that we do not waste any more time on this. Otherwise we will have a negative and divisive debate, which is the last thing we want if we are commemorating the 1916 Rising.