Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Development of an inclusive and detailed programme of events for the commemoration of the 1916 Rising is continuing and I hope to have a refined draft of that programme in the autumn. That draft will be subject to consultation with stakeholders before finalisation. As is the nature of these programmes, it may continue to evolve as we move towards 2016 and ideas crystallise and resources become available. Through consultation with the Oireachtas all-party working group on commemorations and the expert advisory group on commemorations, I will be seeking to prioritise ideas that are of educational and historical value and which provide a lasting legacy, appropriate in tone, balance and scale to the events being commemorated.

A number of flagship capital projects have been identified as priorities for completion by Easter 2016. These include the development of a suitable permanent facility for the military service pensions archive, the renovation of Kilmainham courthouse to enhance the visitor experience at Kilmainham Gaol, the development of a permanent exhibition space and interpretative centre at the GPO, the development of visitor facilities at Teach an Phiarsaigh, Ros Muc, as well as the renovation of Richmond barracks and the development of a tenement museum. These initiatives are moving apace.

With the national monument at Nos. 14-17 Moore Street, in July 2013 my predecessor made a determination under the National Monuments Acts on the consent application and related environmental impact statement submitted by the owners for their proposals for the national monument. I outlined this to Deputy McLellan earlier. The completed designs for the approved works have been submitted to my Department to verify they are in compliance with the decision made on the consent application in July 2013. In addition, NAMA has confirmed to my Department that it will make the necessary funding available for the works covered by the consent. This adds considerably to the prospects of a fitting tribute to the 1916 leaders being in place in Moore Street in time for the centenary of the 1916 Rising. Information on the developing commemorative programme will be available on my Department's commemorations website and individual announcements will issue for specific events.

The Deputy asked about the GPO and I had an opportunity through the commemorations committee to examine the proposals. It is a fine proposition and the Deputy will be very pleased when he sees what is planned for the GPO. I would be glad to hear Deputies' views on commemorative arrangements.

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