Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for the response. I wish to refer to a number of points and the tying in of the event to a First World War commemoration. The tale of the Endurance and of Shackleton's expedition is one of survival against the destruction of war. The Minister mentioned some proposed projects. It is proposed to have a concert in the National Concert Hall in early October. It would be very fitting and it would chart the story of Shackleton and the Endurance. It would be a perfect national commemoration of the event. It is very fitting that it would be in the National Concert Hall because Shackleton gave a talk in the building in 1909. There is a plaque in the lobby to mark the occasion.

I ask that the Minister engage with the promoters of the project to determine what support could be given to it from the State, and to see it as a national commemoration.

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