Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

96. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views about the discontent of some relatives of those who partook in the 1916 Rising with regard to the centenary commemoration plans; if she has requested a meeting with these relatives; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46807/14]

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I wonder whether the Minister has met some of the relatives of the 1916 participants who have expressed their disappointment with the commemoration ceremonies. I hope she will meet as many as possible of the representative groups, disparate as they are, before final plans are made for the commemoration.

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. Along with my Government colleagues, I am committed to ensuring the commemorations to mark the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising will be inclusive, appropriate and respectful. I appreciate the concerns of the relatives of those who fought and those who died during the Rising. I am actively engaging with them to ensure they will have a central role in a number of key State events. I recently met representatives of the various relatives' groups to highlight the important role they will have in the plans to commemorate the centenary of the events of Easter 1916. I have established a 2016 project office within my Department. It is tasked with co-ordinating all activities relating to the commemoration of 1916. The relevant officials are liaising with officials in the Department of Defence on matters regarding relatives, including the compilation of lists for events that will be organised to commemorate the centenary of 1916.The project office can be contacted at 2016projectoffice@ahg.gov.ie.

I look forward to working with the Oireachtas all-party consultation group on commemorations, the expert advisory group and a wide range of stakeholders over the coming 18 months to make the events of Easter 2016 a very special and poignant tribute to all those involved. I would welcome the involvement of the relatives in the commemorations, as well as their comments and views. The matter is open to consultation.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I commend the Minister on meeting some of the relatives. I encourage her to continue that work. Recently, I became conscious of the fact that there may be a large number of relatives, including internationally. Among the criticisms voiced about the commemorative ceremonies was the opinion that the Government was treating the situation like the homecoming or whatever we called that festival some time ago.

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Gathering.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Gathering. There may be some merit in reaching out nationally and internationally to people with direct connections to those who fought and died in this formative event in Irish history. Has the Department plans in that regard?

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Yes. I want to consult as widely as possible. In that regard, we will work closely with the embassies. I recently attended the Famine commemoration in New Orleans where I met many people of Irish descent. They were keen to get involved in the 1916 commemorations. I encouraged them, as I want them to make contact with us. We will make contact with a number of organisations in America. 1916 was about the people of Ireland. It is important that we have national and international involvement. In that respect, I will make every effort to make contact with the diaspora through our embassies.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

A figure of €4 million has been mentioned in the context of the commemorative ceremonies. In the limited time available, will the Minister tell the House a little about that? Will the €4 million be channelled through the Arts Council? Is it for specific arts-related projects or is it for marketing and PR in respect of the ceremonies? Does the Arts Council envisage mounting schemes, programmes, competitions or whatever? If so, will they be public, will they be advertised and will participation be encouraged and invited?

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

It is my intention to allocate the budget of €4 million in a manner that will facilitate the roll-out of an integrated plan focused on commemorating the centenary of the 1916 Rising. I intend to use the money to support a wide range of activities and events by interested groups, including local communities, as well as the arts and education sectors. We are considering a number of proposed commemorative activities. I intend for there to be a number of broad headings. It is important to involve the arts, community and education sectors. It is also important that we include our young people through the education system. The 2016 commemorations do not just belong to one part of the country, so I want to ensure that they are extended to the whole of the country so that people might engage. For this reason, the consultation process will continue until the end of March, giving people an opportunity to propose ideas. I want the cultural institutions to be involved. They are considering what they will do for 2016. The Rising was an important event in our history. Next year will give them good time to plan. The additional €4 million-----

Joe O'Reilly (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I must interrupt. In light of the fact that Deputy Durkan has just arrived and given that we broke the order of questions, he should put Question No. 95 now. In deference to the next questioner, who has been waiting, we will only take the question and the Minister's reply before going straight into the next question.