Catherine Noone (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister to the House and thank him for his ongoing work. He is an extremely energetic and hard-working Minister and we will see the fruits of his labours in the period ahead. In the run-up to the symbolic and poignant 1916 commemorations, I applaud the remarkable array of scheduled events and publications which honour all who played their part during that tumultuous and future defining era. I commend the development, preservation and presentation of historical records by local authorities, which allowed new knowledge about the era to be brought to light.

Unlike to the 1966 commemorations, which presented a somewhat monochrome view of history, I am pleased to note that the centenary commemorations will expand beyond the set-piece events to cover thematic issues such as the treatment of women and minorities. The realities of the historical events are likely to be expanded upon.

In light of the recent amnesty granted to Irish Army veterans who joined the allied forces in the Second World War, I hope the 2016 commemorations will recognise and acknowledge the diversity of traditions that see both Home Rule and British Army heritage within a large number of Irish families. I believe these centenaries provide an excellent opportunity to ensure all traditions are treated with respect and understanding.

As Government spokesperson on arts and culture in this House, I commend the investment, totalling €1 million, by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in the online visual newspaper of the revolutionary period, Century Ireland, which the Minister has already mentioned and which was launched earlier this month. The funding is testament to the Department's commitment to bringing this most pivotal point in our history and heritage to life in a fresh, innovative and exciting manner. What is wonderful about this publication is that it seeks to respect the complexity of Irish historical experience, while affording a clearer understanding of the context in which the series of events took place. It must be remembered that between the years 1913 and 1923, in particular, Irish society was transformed by the Dublin Lock-out, the Suffragette movement, the ever-strengthening assertion of civil and democratic rights, industrialisation, the progress of the organised labour movement and by education and the pioneering advances of science, all of which established the foundations for the very progressive society we enjoy today. Meanwhile, the involvement of Boston College in this project prompts us to remember the diaspora and the friends of Ireland around the world who will wish to share in our commemorative programme and will be further encouraged to visit our shores. It will continue the efforts of The Gathering in this regard.

Tourists are not just enticed to come here by our striking scenery. I concur with Senator Ó Murchú's comments regarding our culture. The fact that we are so rich in culture and heritage, along with our scenery and our personality as a people, is what is attractive to tourists. I am particularly pleased that in addition to the collaborative partnership of Boston College and RTE, the national cultural institutions have been joined by Dublin City Gallery, the Hugh Lane Gallery, which last year opened its excellent exhibition of portraits, Revolutionary States: Home Rule and Modern Ireland. Dublin City Library and Archives, University College Dublin, NUI Galway and the Dictionary of Irish Biography also contributed greatly.
Century Irelandwill no doubt stimulate a renewed interest in the revolutionary period and I am delighted to see the use of new technologies to bring our history to new audiences, especially the younger generations and those who cannot easily access the special presentations at the various cultural institutions. Moreover, I also welcome the bringing forward of proposals outlined by Mr. John Kennedy of the Department of Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht on the military service pensions archive, a collection of statements that have the capacity to transform our understanding of revolutionary Ireland. I understand the Government has indicated its willingness to publish material without censorship, save in very rare cases where the safety of surviving individuals might be put at risk. This is very important and I welcome it. It is an excellent idea to allow access to this information online for free and also at a dedicated facility that would provide a legacy for the centenaries which would be widely used and appreciated.

I am particularly pleased that all of our cultural institutions and local authorities are playing such an important role in the commemorations. The continuation of the National Library of Ireland's EuropeanaFirst World War collection road show is an excellent interactive idea, giving families the chance to contribute artefacts and stories relating to the First World War to a pan-European exhibition.

It is of the utmost importance that the younger generations, in particular, are encouraged to engage with their historical heritage. I hope this will continue at community level in schools and community groups. I look forward to attending many of the upcoming events to commemorate the most transformative of eras in our nation's history. I commend the Minister for his work.