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

The objective of the Ireland 2016 initiative, which I am leading and which was formally launched on 12 November 2014, is to develop, co-ordinate and deliver a programme to honour and remember those who fought or died in the Easter Rising. It will also reflect on the legacy of that period and look towards our future, based on the themes set out in the Government's framework plan. I am committed, together with my Government colleagues, to ensuring that the commemorations to mark the centenary in 2016 will be inclusive, appropriate and respectful.

A 2016 project office in my Department is engaged in an extensive consultation process across the Government, State agency and community sectors to progress the development of detailed plans for 2016. In order to facilitate engagement with local communities and people of all ages nationwide, I have met representatives of the County and City Management Association and have requested local authority CEOs to take the lead in the development of local-level plans for Ireland 2016 in their individual counties during 2015.

The response has been very positive. Dedicated Ireland 2016 co-ordinators and steering groups have been put in place in each local authority to help shape and drive the relevant county programmes. A series of public meetings will be undertaken in each county, at which members of the public can come together to hear about Ireland 2016, meet those involved in their community, and explore and learn about how they can get involved. I have allocated €1 million to local authorities in 2015 to support this overall process.

Meetings have also taken place with other key Departments, agencies, local authorities and interested parties. My Department's 2016 project office is engaging with the national cultural institutions, the Arts Council, Culture Ireland and the Heritage Council to ensure that a comprehensive and diverse cultural programme is developed. Meetings and a dedicated workshop have also been held with a wide range of Irish language groups in order to develop an Irish language programme. My Department has been working closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to develop an appropriate programme involving the Irish diaspora and with the Department of Education and Skills to ensure the involvement of primary and post-primary schools and third level education. My Department has also been engaging with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs to ensure that the views of children are taken on board and that they have a meaningful contribution to make.

My Department is also engaging with representatives of the various relatives groups and individual relatives to hear their views on the overall programme, and to ensure that they will have a central role in a number of the key State events.

Over 100 proposals have been received in the 2016 project office to date from members of the public and interested parties via e-mail, postal submissions and through the project website, www.ireland.ie. I very much appreciate and welcome all ideas and submissions received. I look forward to continuing engagement with all stakeholders and members of the public as the Ireland 2016 initiative develops.

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