Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 106: To ask the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans to commemorate in 2014 the Battle of Clontarf in order to boost arts and tourism and build further links with the Nordic countries. [21697/12]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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The millennium of the Battle of Clontarf will be commemorated in 2014. This signal anniversary presents a special opportunity to enhance the appreciation and understanding of the Vikings in our national history, their settlement in centres throughout Ireland and contribution to economic and cultural life in Ireland. Officials from my Department have had discussions with various groups, including historians, archaeologists and the ambassador of Denmark, with a view to developing a commemorative programme that reflects the influence of the Vikings in Ireland and the Battle of Clontarf as a defining event in our history.

Operating under the aegis of my Department and within the confines of available resources, I envisage that the national cultural institutions will play an important role in any commemorative arrangement, especially the National Museum of Ireland. In that context, I understand the National Museum of Ireland intends to hold a major exhibition on Brian Boru and the Battle of Clontarf in 2014. It is expected that the exhibition will have an international focus, with loans from institutions across Europe. The exhibition will not only present Ireland and Europe in the later Viking age but also examine the continuing significance of Brian Boru and Clontarf in Irish folklore and popular imagination right up to modern times. In addition to possible initiatives by the national cultural institutions, my Department will be consulting local authorities and other interested parties with a view to the development of a co-ordinated programme. I will convene a meeting in early course of the key parties, including the Danish and Norwegian ambassadors, to progress these plans further. I expect to receive a report on planned activities in the autumn.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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I welcome the Minister's indication he is planning ahead and linking up with organisations, statutory bodies and voluntary groups with a view to commemorating the Battle of Clontarf in 2014. I hope it will be remembered in a respectful way, with an acknowledgement that on Good Friday, 23 April 1014, almost 10,000 people lost their lives at Clontarf. Brian Boru lost more than 4,000 men and himself died in the battle, while the King of Leinster and his Viking army suffered 6,000 losses. Does the Minister agree this is a significant part of our history which deserves to be commemorated properly? Will the Minister support the people of Clontarf and the north side of Dublin, as well as the Clontarf Business Association, in their endeavours to have a millennium commemoration that is a major national and international event? Does he agree there is potential in this occasion for job creation, arts, tourism and economic development? Will he, together with the Taoiseach and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, promote this event internationally, especially with colleagues in Norway, Sweden and Denmark, with a view to enhancing tourism links with those countries?

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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I agree the 1,000th anniversary of the Battle of Clontarf is a very important event. It is worth noting that the 4,900 soldiers on Brian Boru's side, mostly Munster and Connacht men, were faced in battle with 4,000 Leinster men and 3,000 Vikings. In other words, it was not a case of Ireland against the Vikings but, essentially, Munster against Leinster aided by the Vikings. That scenario has since been repeated on the rugby field on many occasions. In fact, the great Irish rugby star Keith Wood is planning a major event at Killaloe, from whence Brian Boru made his departure for Clontarf. Mr. Wood is very far advanced in his preparations in that regard and I will give him every possible support in his endeavours.

All the other aspects of this commemoration, including arts, music, our marine heritage and so on, will be examined. It is an exciting opportunity as part of the broader programme of commemorations taking place in the coming years. The year 2014 is also the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War. The millennium commemoration of the Battle of Clontarf will afford us an opportunity to examine the contribution the Vikings made to this country, of which the young people in the Visitors Gallery are undoubtedly aware. As a history teacher I was always careful to portray the Vikings as more than mere raiders. They were very much involved in trade, craft, art and so on. Apart from the plundering of our monasteries at Lambay and elsewhere, we should not forget their contribution to our cultural heritage and to the development of our major towns and settlements.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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I welcome the Minister's reference to planned exhibitions and the potential for developing the arts. There is also potential for the development of sports and tourism initiatives. There is an opportunity to invite people to come to the country at a time when we are encouraging members of the Diaspora to visit. We should do this at an international and local level. The people of Clontarf are up for this game and want to get involved. A lovely event has been planned for 9 June, the Clontarf Viking Festival, to be held in the Clontarf yacht and boat club beside the wooden bridge at the Bull Wall. There are ideas to be developed, but the Minister did not answer the question. Will he meet the people on the ground who want to develop them? He says he is looking for ideas for an economic stimulus and job creation in arts and tourism; this is a great one.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy knows my door is always open. I have met 2,500 groups and individuals and if people wish to meet me to discuss this issue, I will be delighted to meet them, with the Deputy. No doubt, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, would be interested in this issue too.