Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As a week is a long time in politics, nine months is an awfully long period concerning issues such as this one. The Minister, Deputy Heather Humphreys, is currently considering the State's commemorative programme for the second half of the decade. As I said, she is being supported by the expert group. I will ask her why the Oireachtas all-party consultation group on commemorations has not met since January. Although the Senator did not say so, I am sure he would agree that the celebrations and commemorations for the last year have been excellent. They have received cross-party and community support, which must be acknowledged.

The Minister has indicated that the Thomas Ashe centenary committee and others are also discussing their plans to commemorate this significant event next year in Ashe's birthplace in Lispole, County Kerry. The Senator is probably involved in that himself. There will also be commemorations in Meath, Dublin and abroad. The Department will be happy to engage with relevant groups, including local authorities and third-level institutions on how the centenary of the death of Thomas Ashe might be appropriately commemorated next year. The inclusive, respectful and measured approach which characterised this year's centenary commemorations will continue to shape the State's commemorative programme for the remainder of the decade. The close collaboration and engagement between Departments and other stakeholders will continue to suggest significant events and themes for commemoration for the next five years, which will be marked with respect, sensitivity and openness. I am confident that the centenary of Thomas Ashe's death will be acknowledged. I will bring to the Minister's attention the Senator's concerns about the all-party committee not having met since January, as well as the issues regarding the budget outlay for that event.