"This is a once in a generation opportunity - across all communities and traditions - to commemorate the past, evaluate what we've achieved as a nation and consider what we want to do in the next 100 years. 

"While there will be a series of formal State events, I also want to get schools, history groups, arts organisations, sporting organisations and a range of other groups involved at a local level. I am providing €1 million in funding for Local Authorities in 2015, to allow for plans to be developed at a local level throughout this year, and in plenty of time for 2016. I have asked each County CEO to put a team in place to link directly with the Ireland 2016 Project Team in my Department.

"The public consultation process is ongoing, and meetings will be held across the country in the coming months, so members of the public can come together to hear about Ireland 2016, meet those involved in their community and explore and learn about how they can get involved.

"The involvement of Local Authorities is one element of what will be a rich programme of events. I am working closely with other Departments to deliver a range of national and international initiatives. For example, the Department of Education is developing a rich schools programme. An extensive cultural programme is also being developed through the Arts Council and our Cultural Institutions."

Minister of State Aodhán Ó Ríordáin said: "I am pleased that the local authorities have been allocated this funding, which will be crucial in ensuring that all communities across the State are involved in commemorating the centenary of the 1916 Rising in an inclusive, reflective and forward-looking manner."

* Ireland 2016 is based on five intersecting themes:

·         Remember: recalling our shared history on the island of Ireland;
·         Reconcile: honouring all who have built peace and brought people together;
·         Imagine:  releasing the creativity of our people, in particular our young people;
·         Present: creatively showing our achievements to the world;
·         Celebrate: family, community and friendshipand renew our commitment to the Proclamation ideals of liberty and equality.

Ireland 2016 will encompass a range of initiatives including:

·         Permanent Reminders: €22 million in 2015 for seven flagship capital projects
·        State Events: national ceremonies, parades and events will take place to remember those who participated in the Rising and will involve the relatives. This will include a military ceremony to be led by 1916 relatives on Easter Sunday, 27th March 2016, a special State Reception for relatives on Saturday, March 26th, and a commemoration at Arbour Hill on Sunday, April 24th, to mark the date of the Rising.
·       Culture Programme: A rich cultural programme will be developed in co-operation with our National Cultural Institutions, the Arts Council and Culture Ireland
·         Young People: A special Education Commemorative Programme will be prepared with the Department of Education and Skills
·         Community: The Department of Arts will lead an extensive consultation programme with local government and community groups to facilitate ground up initiatives across the country
·         Diaspora: Through our Embassy network, talks, exhibitions, seminars and cultural events will be held to present Ireland 2016 to the world
·        Language: a number of projects are being progressed to reflect the esteem with which the Irish language was held by the 1916 Leaders
·         Commemorative Stamps: A special set of commemorative stamps and a series of coins will be issued.