€1m in funding for Local Authorities for 1916 commemorations @ 17 Jan 2015
* 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.