James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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7. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans for War of Independence and Civil War commemorations in County Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8499/19]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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What are the Minister's plans for War of Independence and Civil War commemorations in County Wexford?

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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My objective in approaching the development of the State commemorative programme for the years from 2019 to 2023 is to ensure that, in remembering this complex period in our history, which includes the struggle for independence, the Civil War, the foundation of the State and partition, we promote a deeper understanding of the significance of these events, which accepts that the shared historical experience of those years gave rise to very different narratives and memories.

On 8 January, I outlined how the Government plans to approach the development of the commemorative programme for the coming period. Under the community strand, I am encouraging a collaborative approach, similar to that adopted for the 1916 centenary commemorations, between the State, the local authority network and community organisations, including in Northern Ireland where appropriate. It is, I believe, very fitting that local authorities have a leading role in supporting inclusive, respectful and meaningful community-led commemorations that remember all of the lives lost, augmented as appropriate with support from the State, which will be considered on a case-by-case basis. In recognition of the very important role that local authorities have played to date, and will continue to play, in encouraging measured and authentic citizen engagement, which is sensitive to the local context, I have requested my officials to organise a special decade of centenaries forum for local authorities, which, as I have said, will take place on 13 March.

With regard to the Deputy’s specific query, I can confirm that I have approved funding of €5,000 to support each local authority, including Wexford County Council, in developing commemorative activities in 2018. I will make a further announcement in respect of funding for 2019 shortly. Funding allocations over the coming years will be considered as part of the annual budgetary Estimates process. I encourage local authorities to adopt a broad focus in responding to the significant events and themes of this period, which recognises all of the dimensions interwoven with the conflict, including military activity, the political context and the social, economic and cultural aspects and legacies.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House.

I believe that, building on the success of the commemorative programme to date, local authorities, our national cultural institutions, trade unions, the media, institutions of learning, and custodians of records, together with creative communities, will have a leading role in supporting the national conversation about the events of this period and encouraging respectful and authentic engagement, debate and analysis

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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I have been asking this question for some time. Obviously the period between 1916 and 1923 was very turbulent throughout the country but particularly in Wexford. In 1916, Wexford rebels took Enniscorthy town during the Easter Rising and subsequently Wexford was very active in the War of Independence and the Civil War. During the War of Independence there were numerous attacks on Royal Irish Constabulary barracks, the Black and Tans were introduced and there were raids and counter raids. It became quite vicious. Many people in Wexford were imprisoned and often mistreated and tortured. Many escaped from these prisons. After the treaty was signed, the IRA in Wexford was very much split down the middle and Wexford was very heavily involved in the subsequent Civil War. In their book, local historians Nicholas Furlong and John Hayes state the split between anti-treaty and pro-treaty adherents was countrywide but County Wexford became one of the most violent counties in the Civil War. The conflict, which scarred and divided families, followed the pattern of guerrilla warfare.

Will the Minister outline what the Department intends to do in terms of commemorating in County Wexford events from the War of Independence and the Civil War? She mentioned an announcement of further funding. When will that be made? Will a list be available of the events it is intended to commemorate in County Wexford?

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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I will be making the announcement shortly. I have heard what the Deputy said about 1916 and the commemorative events that took place in Wexford. The restoration of the Enniscorthy Athenaeum was important. There was an interactive 1916 exhibition and a local authority grant scheme. It might be good for the Deputy to know Wexford County Council did not make a submission in the public consultation on commemorating the decade of centenaries. A total of 20 submissions from local authorities were received, none of which was from Wexford. This is not to say it would be precluded from participating in the local authority collective group on 13 March. It would then be in a position to make a submission by 30 April with any idea it has on the key themes from the expert advisory council and the points it wishes to take on board.

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Minister. Obviously careful thought and planning of these events must take place. To this day, memories are still raw. The 2016 events were very well received in County Wexford and it is imperative the same sensitive note is forthcoming for upcoming events. Commemorations should take place and sensitivity should not be an excuse for avoidance. This is about our history, the birth of our nation and Ireland rightly taking its place among the independent nations of the world. I am somewhat surprised that Wexford County Council did not make a submission as it was very heavily involved in 1916 events. Perhaps it may have been an oversight on its part.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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I urge the Minister to make a substantial announcement given that the most successful aspect of the centenary in 2016 comprised the many local events that were funded by the Department and local authorities throughout the country. The €5,000 for each local authority mentioned by the Minister is obviously an initial payment to help them with their plans. I hope the Minister will ensure a substantial amount will be available to encourage local authorities to match whatever funding she comes up with and to follow on the success they had to deal with the next five or six years of the centenary programme.

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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I can tell Deputy Ó Snodaigh that Dublin City Council did make a submission and, no more than Deputy Brown's Wexford County Council, all local authorities will be in a position to contribute to the forum on 13 March and all local authorities will be in a position to make a submission by 30 April with any ideas and suggestions they have for their particular counties in commemorating the next decade of centenaries, taking into account the expert advisory group's recommendations and the key themes. It is worthwhile reiterating some of these, including that local stories and experiences, which both Deputies have mentioned, will be significant and local research scholarships and access to local archival sources will support communities in exploring and reflecting upon these events. A collaborative approach is something that would be of assistance. Local cultural organisations and the library networks have a significant role to play as cultural brokers in managing conversations, building relationships and engaging communities in a meaningful way through the various forms of creative expression. There will be great opportunities for each county to become involved.