Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 213: To ask the Taoiseach if plans are now in place to commemorate the 160th anniversary of Black 47 in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28784/06]

Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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Commemorations are organised from time to time in respect of the anniversaries of signal events of historic importance, usually in relation to a 25th, 50th, 75th or 100th Anniversary with even longer intervals thereafter. The Deputy will recall a major commemorative programme arranged for the 150th anniversary of the Great Famine.

Deputies will appreciate that there is not scope for official commemorations each year of all anniversaries and that the arrangements for commemorations during 2007 have not yet been decided. I would not like to anticipate the outcome of consideration of the form and content of an appropriate commemorative programme for 2007.

Having regard to its special significance in our national history, I have been satisfied to direct particular consideration by Officials of the Great Famine, especially having regard to the anniversary of 'Black 47' in 2007.