Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together. The Truce, which marked the end of the War of Independence, came into effect on 11 July 1921. Recognising the significance of this date, an all-party Oireachtas committee in 1986 recommended that the Sunday closest to 11 July would be the most appropriate date upon which to have an annual national commemoration ceremony to commemorate "all Irishmen and Irishwomen who died in past wars or on service with the United Nations". At this year's ceremony, which took place on Sunday, 11 July, the centenary of the Truce, we especially remembered all those who lost their lives during the struggle for independence. The ceremony included the laying of a wreath by President Michael D. Higgins and was broadcast live on RTÉ. Limited numbers were in attendance in line with Covid-19 restrictions to ensure the health and safety of all.

From 8 July last, the National Archives of Ireland, NAI, has been exhibiting material related to the Truce. I, the Tánaiste and the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Deputy Catherine Martin, had an opportunity to view this material last week. An Post also issued two specially-commissioned commemorative stamps to mark the occasion. In addition, the National Library of Ireland, NLI, is cataloguing and digitising personal papers from key figures in the project, "Towards a Republic" and holding a photographic exhibition entitled, "From Turmoil to Truce: Photographs of the War of Independence". Under the communities strand of the decade of centenaries programme, several local authorities are also holding online and small commemorative events to mark the Truce.

The public health emergency caused by Covid-19 has significantly impacted the holding of in-person commemorative events marking important centenaries in 2020 and 2021, at State and local level, with some cancelled or rescheduled. We have had to be more imaginative in our planning, with many events moving online, and in creating opportunities that encourage as many people as possible to explore our shared history, in all of its complexity, in a respectful and supportive environment.

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