Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have met a number of groups. I join Senator Mac Conghail in remembering Dr. Brian Farrell. I concur with the Senator on the importance of the expert group, which is making a great contribution and provides a fair and balanced analysis.
These commemorations do not belong to the Government or the Opposition; they belong to the Irish people. I want to engage communities throughout the country. I spoke to the county and city managers last night. They are a great way to tap into local communities. They have a great framework and I look forward to working closely with them. The consultation will last for three months. I want to include everyone, and contact can be made through my Department or the website, ireland.ie.
The budget allocation is €4 million for 2015 and further consideration will be given in the budget negotiations for 2016. That is a strong indication of this Government's commitment to the commemorations. The culture 2025 target is 2016. I agree that we can interpret and understand 1916 through the arts. We need to push out the boundaries, and there is nobody better at doing that than the artists. I look forward to Yeats 2015 and recognising his motives in promoting the cultural revival of the period. The capital projects are a bequest to future generations in memory of the men and women of 1916. The tenement museum and Richmond Barracks projects will reside in the social sphere. We are commemorating from the ground up and I want everybody to be involved.
We are currently supporting a poignant exhibition in the Hugh Lane Gallery on the lithographs of World War One, which have been beautifully restored. Senator Naughten referred to the Land Acts. It is important that we recognise the major role played by the Land League and the Irish Parliamentary Party in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Senator Conway emphasised the ground-up approach and involving the local authorities. I agree with him.
I am disappointed with the negative approach taken by Senator Ó Clochartaigh.