Taoiseach Bertie Ahern told the Dáil he did "not want to make too much of the omission" by Prince Charles of the Irish contribution to the Battle of the Somme when he spoke in France at the 90th anniversary commemoration.
The Prince of Wales mentioned the part played by a number of countries in the battle, but omitted the Irish contribution. His press secretary said afterwards that it was an oversight.
Mr Ahern said he knew the royal family was aware of the Irish contribution. "Prince Philip was here some time ago and he is very aware of the regiments involved and their flags."
Green Party leader Trevor Sargent had referred to comments made that the prince had mentioned a "long list of countries, but somehow forgot to mention that Ireland played a part. Many families, mine included, which suffered significantly at the time and members of which fought in a British uniform, were hurt by the omission. Will the Taoiseach respond to that hurt?"
Mr Ahern said that "we will point out the oversight and hopefully it will be reflected in some future contribution."
He also told the Dáil that the Government was using diplomatic efforts to have military flags used by Irish regiments based in England given to the National Museum in Collins Barracks, a "fitting place" for them. "It would be a gesture by the British if they did this."
He said the flags "are sacredly held on to at very high levels. It would mean a lot to the families here if they were released."
Opposition parties congratulated the Government on its Somme commemoration.
