Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Government launched the Ireland 2016 commemorative programme on 31 March. The programme features seven strands, including a global and diaspora programme. Through its embassy and consulate network, my Department has been engaging, and will continue to engage, with the Irish diaspora, community groups and our international partners throughout the world to plan and support events commemorating the centenary of the Rising. The programme provides an opportunity to reflect on the national and international dimensions of the Rising, explore the influence of the diaspora on the Rising and celebrate our continued close ties with Irish communities abroad and with our international friends and partners.

The global programme fund will be available to ensure a series of events in the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom and further afield. The fund is of the order of €500,000. A wide range of events, including film screenings, artistic and cultural programmes, seminars and community events are already included in the Ireland 2016 global programme and many more are planned.

Ireland 2016 is an opportunity to present Ireland to the world and celebrate our achievements over the past century, including our people, our long-standing programme of humanitarian assistance, our peacekeeping record, ongoing efforts to support peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland as well as the progress that has been made on Ireland's economic recovery.

Together with Culture Ireland, my Department and its missions overseas will work to highlight the best of Irish arts worldwide throughout 2016 in a programme that focuses on contemporary artists and influences while reflecting on Ireland's cultural journey over the past 100 years.

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