Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 to 14, inclusive, together.

I am aware that a commemorative event in respect of the Great Famine is being prepared for 27 May. While this is not an official initiative, it is associated with the proposal under consideration between Departments to establish a memorial day. I understand it is the intention of the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Conor Lenihan, to host a reception on the occasion of the Famine commemorative event. This is intended to reflect the ongoing role of Irish Aid in responding to global issues of hunger and food security.

The Great Famine had a most telling impact on Ireland both in the direct loss of so many lives and through the displacement of people and establishment of a pattern of emigration that continued for more than a century. I recall the official commemorative programme for the 150th anniversary of the Great Famine which took place across several years under the auspices of my Department. This intensive programme engaged a wide audience in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora.

There has been a sustained pattern of commemoration of the Famine for many years. The Famine Museum at Strokestown Park, County Roscommon, was opened in 1994. The national Famine monument was unveiled at Murrisk, County Mayo, in 1997 and replicated on the UN Plaza at New York in 2000. The Famine figures at Custom House Quay, Dublin were installed in 1997 and will be complemented this summer by a similar installation at the Irish Park in Toronto to be unveiled by the President. The many official and private initiatives regarding monuments and commemorations reflect the enduring significance of this tragedy for the Irish people at home and abroad.

I am positively disposed towards the establishment of a memorial day and have asked that the matter be considered at official level, having regard to the appropriate timing and location of a commemorative event; the possible nature of the commemoration, reflecting the terrible loss of life; the links to the diaspora and the continuing issues of hunger and food security. While I do not anticipate that an official annual event will be inaugurated this year, I am satisfied for the Government, through the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Conor Lenihan, to be associated with the Famine commemoration being arranged for 27 May. The question of financial support for this event has not arisen.

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