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Minister Highlights Inclusive Approach of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan T.D., will today represent the Government and lay a wreath at the State Ceremonial event being held in Dublin’s Grangegorman Military Cemetery to mark the deaths of British soldiers in the 1916 Easter Rising. Minister Flanagan will be joined by Minister for Regional Development, Rural Affairs, Arts & the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys T.D., and by Minister of State with special responsibility for Defence, Paul Kehoe T.D.

British Ambassador Dominick Chilcott will also lay a wreath on behalf of the British Government in remembrance of the British soldiers who lost their lives in the Easter Rising.

The event, led by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, is part of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme. Speaking ahead of the event, Minister Flanagan said:

“Today’s ceremony is about recognising the many different narratives and experiences that made up the events of the Easter Rising. As many as 125 soldiers of the British Armed Forces died during the Easter Rising. They came from every province on the island of Ireland, as well as England, Wales, Scotland and further afield.

“Like those that died a hundred years ago, those of us participating in today’s event are a diverse group of individuals, with different backgrounds, beliefs and aspirations. Such differences do not divide us and need not hinder us from coming together to reflect upon the moments that have shaped our islands’ history. In the century since the events of 1916 we have learned, through painful experience, the importance of mutual respect for the different traditions and multiple narratives across these islands.

“Days like today are an opportunity to broaden our understanding of all the varied influences that contributed to making the Ireland and Britain of today and to demonstrate our respect for all the traditions of these islands. Reconciliation and mutual respect are at the heart of how we approach this Decade of Centenaries and of how we develop the ever stronger relationships that continue to flourish East and West, North and South.”

Members of the Irish Defence Forces, together with members of the British Armed Forces, will also participate in the ceremony, which will include readings of poetry, historical accounts by British soldiers involved in the Rising, and musical elements.