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<p>The Northern Ireland Office has a co-ordinating role as part of the Government’s
overall efforts to commemorate the centenaries of World War One events. Our aim is
to ensure that these events, including for the Battle of the Somme, are commemorated
in Northern Ireland in a manner which promotes reconciliation and enhances prospects
for a peaceful, shared future.</p><p>Officials from my Department sit on the Department
for Culture, Media and Sport Programme Board for First World War Centenary Commemorations.
They also have regular contact with officials in the Northern Ireland Executive and
sit on the Northern Ireland First World War Centenary Committee chaired by Jeffrey
Donaldson MP.</p><p>I receive regular updates on this work and both the Parliamentary
Under Secretary of State and I will be in attendance at a number of events being planned
to mark the Battle of the Somme centenary. These events will take place in Northern
Ireland and France.</p><br />
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