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

With regard to Beyond 2022, I approved in January a funding allocation of €95,000 to support the transition phase of the project, which will, to some extent, be a capital project of the kind the Deputy speaks about. I have requested my officials to engage with the project team to ensure that an appraisal is carried out in line with the requirements of the public spending code and to ensure that the appropriate structures, governance and monitoring arrangements are put in place.

It might be helpful to the Deputy to be reminded of the expert advisory group's advice. It is suggesting a four-strand approach. It is talking about a State ceremonial strand, which will comprise a limited number of symbolic acts of national commemoration focusing on themes of remembrance and reconciliation and the commemoration of all those who lost their lives during the period in question. The group also talks about an historical strand, which will comprise a diverse range of activities designed to encourage authentic historical inquiry about the period and promote the use of primary archival sources. Some initiatives will be developed in collaboration with State partners, national cultural institutions, institutions of learning and other stakeholders. There will also be a community strand, which will involve a collaborative approach, similar to that adopted for the 1916 centenary commemorations, between the State, the local authority network, perhaps Dublin City Council in respect of the Deputy's area, as well as national community organisations, including in Northern Ireland, where appropriate. There will also be a creative imagination strand, which will continue to encourage artistic and creative expression in remembrance of the significant historical events.

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