Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)

National commemorative programmes are addressed in the first instance by the Department of the Taoiseach in consultation with other Departments and agencies. Having regard to each particular commemorative initiative, implementation arrangements for programmes and events are agreed following consideration of the roles of the interested Departments and agencies.

My Department provides organisational and other support to the lead Department for national commemorative programmes and events in the context of cultural content. To date, this has included advice on cultural issues and certain special exhibitions arranged in the cultural institutions. My Department has also been able previously to contribute towards cultural initiatives that compliment official programmes.

Without prejudice to other possible initiatives in the period, the principal commemorative programme in the coming years will relate to the centenary anniversaries of the struggle for national independence, culminating in the Easter Rising of 1916. My Department will be closely engaged to ensure the programme under development will include scope for cultural presentations not only reflecting the traditions and perspectives of the period, but also inviting new perspectives and considerations of this important history.

The initial steps in the development of the national commemorative programme were brought to the attention of an Oireachtas all-party consultation group. This inclusive and consultative approach is appropriate for the commemoration of our shared national history. Both Deputy Ó Snodaigh and I were members of that group.

In approving either non-national cultural commemorations or in suggesting components of national commemorations, I will focus on the need to mark appropriately and accurately significant events or personalities in our cultural pantheon. With regard to cultural commemorations that may fall solely within my remit, the relative significance and cross-community resonances of the event or the personality in question will have a major bearing on whether a commemorative event or project can be considered. Even then, it may not be possible in these times of financial austerity to fund every proposal that is brought forward.

See this speech in context