Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Power for raising this topic. Before considering the commemorations of the 1916 Easter Rising I was conscious the contribution of women to the movement for Irish independence had not been given appropriate official recognition. I welcome the opportunity to address this in the commemorative arrangements for the decade of centenaries. In partnership with the Women's History Association of Ireland a series of special commemorative events was prepared to mark the centenary of the founding of Cumann na mBan. I am very pleased that this partnership continues and that the role and achievements of women will be acknowledged in the coming years. I am also pleased to support a series of events relating to the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising, including a formal commemoration led by the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, and a commemorative conference of the Women's History Association of Ireland held at the National Museum of Ireland at Collins Barracks. I also note the recent official opening of the Rosie Hackett Bridge in the centre of Dublin. The forthcoming centenary of the landing of arms at Howth and Kilcoole will be an opportunity to remember the contribution of members of Cumann na mBan, including Molly O'Reilly. I understand Ms O'Reilly stored imported arms at her home. I am also conscious of the sacrifices made by women seeking suffrage and by those supporting the many Irishmen wounded in the First World War.

The Senator will appreciate that capital resources available for commemorative initiatives have been committed to key projects so that they will be completed in time for the commemorations of the Easter Rising. These priority projects were identified in my statement on the budget in the House on 16 October 2013 and in the statement of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on 13 May 2014. In general, these projects relate to the development of visitor facilities at locations of significance to the Easter Rising and to the independence movement. Responsibility for the promotion of the arts, including sculpture and visual art, has been largely devolved to the Arts Council. The Arts Council is the principal agency through which State funding is channelled to the arts and it is a statutory independent body. It is funded by my Department and is independent in its day-to-day operations. I have no role in its funding decisions. The Arts Council engages with local authorities in supporting public art installations and I understand that, as memorials located in public spaces, sculptures cannot be considered solely on artistic merit. Issues relating to location and context are essential features of any proposal brought forward for consideration. I would be pleased to see the sculpture mentioned by Senator Power brought to completion if it were considered appropriate for inclusion in a current or future project.

I am glad to have had this opportunity to address the House and to underline the importance of commemorating the hugely significant role played by women in our political, social and cultural history.