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

It is my intention to allocate the budget of €4 million in a manner that will facilitate the roll-out of an integrated plan focused on commemorating the centenary of the 1916 Rising. I intend to use the money to support a wide range of activities and events by interested groups, including local communities, as well as the arts and education sectors. We are considering a number of proposed commemorative activities. I intend for there to be a number of broad headings. It is important to involve the arts, community and education sectors. It is also important that we include our young people through the education system. The 2016 commemorations do not just belong to one part of the country, so I want to ensure that they are extended to the whole of the country so that people might engage. For this reason, the consultation process will continue until the end of March, giving people an opportunity to propose ideas. I want the cultural institutions to be involved. They are considering what they will do for 2016. The Rising was an important event in our history. Next year will give them good time to plan. The additional €4 million-----

See this speech in context