A military parade in Dublin on Easter Sunday, April 16th, is planned to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the 1916 Rising.
The Government also plans to mark the Battle of the Somme later in the year.
About 2,500 personnel representing all branches of the Defence Forces together with representatives of ex-service personnel and veterans of UN service will take part in the parade on Easter Sunday. It will also include members of the Garda Síochána, representing their service abroad with the UN. The Air Corps will stage an aerial fly-past.
The parade will depart from Dublin Castle, pass through Dame Street, College Green and O'Connell Street. The 1916 Proclamation will be read outside the GPO and appropriate military honours will be rendered.
Earlier that morning a wreath will be laid in Kilmainham Gaol followed by a State reception at Dublin Castle that evening.
Shortly before Easter the National Museum at Collins Barracks will open a newly prepared exhibit on the Rising, following the transfer of the 1916 room from the Museum Building in Kildare Street. An Post plans to issue a special commemorative stamp.
Meanwhile, the Taoiseach has invited the Oireachtas to offer advice on the appropriate scope and content of a commemoration programme to mark the Rising's centenary in 2016. Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea will chair the first meeting.
Close to July 1st, the Government plans to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, in which many Irish soldiers died.
Last night Fine Gael defence spokesman Billy Timmins said: "Fine Gael is broadly supportive of the commemoration of the Easter Rising but believes the commemoration should be expanded over time to include all the events of that period."
