Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

4. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will support the locating of an Irish UN veterans monument in the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Dublin 7; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31284/14]

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing this question and congratulate the Minister on her appointment. She comes with a reputation for ability, sincerity and hard work and I look forward to working with her. We should remember the previous Minister, Deputy Deenihan, whose commitment and hard work made him a pleasure to work with. Ba mhaith liom comhghairdeas a ghabháil chomh maith leis an Aire Stáit. Tá sé ag gníomhú timpeall na háite seo le fada an lá agus tá an chéim in airde tuillte aige.

In the context of the decade of commemorations, this question relates to the 61,000 tours of duty undertaken by Irish people on peacekeeping missions and asks whether the Minister is prepared to see them commemorated.

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his good wishes and kind words. I also am looking forward to working with him.

The National Museum of Ireland is an autonomous body with its own board and, as such, is responsible for all day-to-day operational matters. I, as Minister, have no statutory responsibility in respect of such operational matters, which include the location of monuments on museum sites. However, I have had inquiries made into this matter and understand that the National Museum was not party to any consultation to erect an Irish UN veterans monument on the Collins Barracks site. The museum has advised that Collins Barracks is one of the constituent parts of the museum and functions solely in that capacity to house and display the national collections in its care. The museum has further indicated its view that any interpretation of the previous history of Collins Barracks as a barracks is done in that context only and, accordingly, it would not consider it appropriate to place a monument on the site as proposed.

As the Deputy is aware, military personnel who died on UN service are commemorated by a monument in Merrion Square, on the annual national day of commemoration and by their own respective military barracks. All of those who died, both on military and non-military service with the UN, are commemorated on the annual national day of commemoration. I am advised that consideration of any further such memorial would fall under the purview of the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Justice and Equality and Defence.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for her response, although it was a little disappointing. The Irish international contribution to peacekeeping has extraordinarily involved approximately 7 million person days and 61,000 tours of duty in 72 UN-mandated missions. It is a major aspect of our foreign policy. Given the decade of commemorations, this is something that needs to be commemorated.

It is not just about those who lost their lives, but the wonderful contributions of so many others to international peacekeeping and conflict resolution which have distinguished them and the country. The Minister says other Departments have a role in this. They may, but in the decade of commemorations, the Minister has a leading role.

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge what the Deputy says and that 61,000 is a great number of veterans. They have made a wonderful contribution. I support the commemoration of all persons who have served their country at home and abroad, especially those who have given their lives. It is important we recognise them. There are already a number of monuments and memorial gardens throughout the country that pay tribute to such men and women. The selection of a site for another monument dedicated solely to UN veterans would require careful consideration. I take on board what the Deputy says. Consideration would fall to include the design, size and scale of the proposed monument, its historical connection with the proposed site and the approval of the relevant planning authorities. I am happy to discuss the matter with the Deputy further. It is important to consider it carefully.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I take the Minister's reply as positive. Those involved in the campaign include the retired Chief of Staff, Major General Vincent Savino, Malachi O'Gallagher and others who have contributed enormously to the development of the concept. Is the Minister prepared to meet the people behind the initiative? Their enthusiasm for the project, the value of which is beyond question, is infectious. A monument would demonstrate to the people the extent of the contribution we have made to international peacekeeping. If located at a suitably prominent location, there is an opportunity to let the millions of international visitors to Ireland to see at first hand the contribution Ireland has made internationally. Collins Barracks is suggested and seems highly appropriate, but if there is a better location, let it be identified.

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I accept what the Deputy says. I would be happy to meet the people involved. I attended the commemoration events on Saturday and the national day of commemoration on Sunday and realise how important it is to these people that the sacrifices they have made are recognised. I am happy to meet the people concerned.