Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

One of the most significant lessons from the Ireland 2016 centenary programme was the capacity of local communities to mobilise and achieve successful outcomes when the right structures and supports were put in place to assist their endeavours. The Government's approach to the remembrance of the significant historical events and related themes of the period from 1919 to 1923 will continue to be informed by the guidance of the expert advisory group on centenary commemorations, which is chaired by Dr. Maurice Manning, and by the all-party consultation group, once established. The expert advisory group's second phase mission statement was launched by my predecessor as Minister, Deputy Humphreys, last October. This statement provides a structure of guiding principles which will assist all interested parties in delivering appropriate commemorations at national and local level.

  In its second statement, the advisory group acknowledges the significant role played by local authorities in developing inclusive, citizen-focused, and authentic commemorations. The advisory group believes that they should continue this important work and be supported in their role. I share the view that local authorities will have a key role in supporting engagement by local communities and in developing suitable commemorative initiatives at county level. Following the conclusion of the decade of centenaries public consultation process at the end of February, the advisory group has been considering the guidance that it will provide to assist the Government in commemorating the significant historical events over the remainder of the decade. I expect to receive the group's advice shortly. I am aware that 20 of the 73 submissions received were made by local authorities and I very much appreciate their engagement and observations.

The issue of funding for the local authorities over the remainder of the decade will be examined in the context of the findings of the public consultation process and the guidance provided by the expert advisory group to Government. It will also be considered in the context of the overall approach by Government as part of the normal Estimates process.

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