Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 228: To ask the Taoiseach if it is intended to hold a national day of commemoration in respect of the Great Famine; if his attention has been drawn to the national committee for Famine commemoration proposal to have same on the last Sunday in May; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5169/06]

Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The 150th Anniversary of the Great Famine was commemorated by the Government in 1995. I am satisfied that the Famine is commemorated on an ongoing basis in many different ways. For example, in the Cobh Heritage Centre, in Rowan Gillespie's Famine memorial at Custom House Quay and in many other localities. In addition, in the context of State and official visits to countries with large Irish communities, often resulting from the emigration of the Famine years, the opportunity is taken whenever possible to include an appropriate act of remembrance in the official programme.

I am of the view that there has been a significant and appropriate commemoration to date of the Famine and its impact on Ireland and the Irish people. I am satisfied that remembrance and commemoration of the Famine will continue to occur on many appropriate occasions.