Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for her reply and I acknowledge the progress that is being made. I also acknowledge the part played by the Minister, her Department and Mr. John Concannon in his role concerning Ireland 2016. In Galway, groundworks have commenced on Pearse's Cottage which is one of the flagship projects, and the only one outside the capital, to be included as permanent reminders of the events of the 1916 Rising. In Galway the city and county councils have a number of State and ceremonial events planned, including historical reflection, youth and imagination, an teanga beo, and cultural expression. They hope to finalise the commemorative programmes by October.

What involvement will the Minister's departmental team have concerning schools? Is her Department engaging with the Department of Education and Skills, or is it being done though local authorities? It is hugely important to get children involved in this commemoration because they will remember these events for the rest of their lives. It is wonderful to instill in them patriotism and a love of history. This is a very important decade, which includes the 1916 centenary.

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