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

As the Deputy is aware, the programme of centenary commemorations has been developing continuously in recent years and the volume and significance of events being commemorated will continue to increase as we look towards 2016 and the centenary of the Easter Rising. The all-party consultation group on commemorations, which I chair, has been briefed by a large number of commemorations stakeholders and continues to engage with as many interested parties as possible. These parties have included the Women's History Association Ireland, the national cultural institutions and a range of local and community groups.

The all-party consultation group also maintains ongoing relationships with key partners, including the Department of Defence, An Post and academic partners. The group is periodically briefed by State agencies and relevant Departments on the status of capital projects being undertaken for completion by 1916, including the GPO project, and developments under the auspices of the Office of Public Works. It also receives media briefings.

On a partnership and collaborative basis, my Department has forged strong contacts with a range of partners, including the trade union movement, for example, in connection with the centenary of the Dublin Lock-out of 1913. The Glasnevin Trust has also been a key partner in a series of commemorative events at Glasnevin Cemetery. The successful implementation of a programme of events marking the centenary of the founding of Cumann na mBan is only the most recent example of such a collaborative approach with the Women's History Association of Ireland. The participation of the President at a formal commemoration in Glasnevin Cemetery was supplemented by events at Wynn's Hotel and a special conference at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks.

I have been greatly assisted in the task of consultation through the work of the expert advisory group of distinguished historians, chaired by Dr. Maurice Manning. The group plans to continue its programme of public consultation around the country in the run-up to 2016. Its local meetings have been well attended by members of local history societies and community groups and members of the general public.

My Department has also sought to engage public interest, including through its support for the RTE-Boston College Century Irelanddigital newspaper and a series of supplements published by The Irish Timesat appropriate dates around key centenaries. The most recent of these, entitled Countdown to War, was published on 14 May last and I have arranged for it to be distributed to every school and made available online. I am keen to continue to build a programme of events with the broadest possible base of support and I welcome the views of Members on how particular events can be commemorated.

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