Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I want to confer penultimate status on Senator O'Donnell as a questioner.

I am glad I had the opportunity to meet Ms Pratschke in the Irish Centre in Paris last year where we had a wonderful exchange. I know her commitment to and achievements in the area. It was a privilege to listen to her on that occasion and also on this one. I wish Ms Pratschke and the Arts Council well over the tenure of her chairmanship.

The committee feels very strongly about the 2016 commemorations. What role does Ms Pratschke see the Arts Council, in conjunction with the Minister, playing in celebrating the centenary? It is very important and it is fast approaching. It is almost the beginning of March 2014 and we have had little engagement with the Minister thus far, but we will try to address that as we go forward. What does Ms Pratschke think we should do to mark 2016?