Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senators for their contributions. Section 2 is the substantive section and while my predecessor indicated on Second Stage that the Government is not opposing the Bill, it is important to note that several annual events are already fixed in the official commemorative calendar, including the Easter Sunday commemoration at the GPO in remembrance of those who gave their lives in the cause of Irish freedom during Easter week of 1916 and is recognised as the seminal moment on our journey towards self-determination and independence. There also is the commemoration of the 1916 Rising at Arbour Hill on the first Wednesday that falls between 3 and 12 May, as well as the July national day of commemoration in remembrance of all Irish men and women who died in wars or on service with the United Nations.

The convening of the First Dáil on 21 January 1919 is one of the key historical events that will be remembered by the State in 2019. This will be the subject of a State commemoration next year, together with a major programme of events being organised by the Houses of the Oireachtas. I note that section 2 provides for commemoration by the State of 21 January each year as the "Declaration of Independence Day" but does not set out the form of any such commemoration or expressly state that a Minister of the Government should be responsible for the commemoration and this is something I would like to examine in advance of Report Stage. I might make amendments on that Stage.