Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1009: To ask the Minister for Defence the progress that has been made in relation to the programme for Government commitment to push forward with plans for a substantial commemoration in the lead up to 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47829/08]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1010: To ask the Minister for Defence the progress that has been made in relation to the programme for Government commitment to establish the General Post Office as a museum of celebration of Irish progress and achievement across a broad spectrum as a landmark 1916 centenary project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47830/08]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1012: To ask the Minister for Defence the progress that has been made in relation to the programme for Government commitment to restore 16 Moore Street and establish therein an interpretative centre, linked to the refurbished General Post Office to honour those who fought in the 1916 Rising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47834/08]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1013: To ask the Minister for Defence the progress that has been made in relation to the programme for Government commitment to ensure a prominent cultural component to the 1916 centenary commemoration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47835/08]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1014: To ask the Minister for Defence the progress that has been made in relation to the programme for Government commitment to provide a fund to which community groups can apply for support for the refurbishment of existing monuments commemorating events in the 1913 to 1923 period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47836/08]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1015: To ask the Minister for Defence the progress that has been made in relation to the programme for Government commitment to advance plans to commemorate the Irish soldiers who fell at the Somme in 1916; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47837/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1009, 1010 and 1012 to 1015, inclusive, together.

The Centenary commemoration of the Easter Rising and the other events of the period, including the Great War and the Battle of the Somme, will be addressed through a comprehensive programme to be implemented across several years. The re-constituted Oireachtas All Party Consultation Group on commemorative issues met on 9 December 2008 and were apprised of developments on several current projects. With a view to developing the commemorative programme, I will continue to inform the Group of progress on such projects and the consideration towards a framework for official initiatives and support in the coming years.

I expect that the framework for the commemorative programme will be launched sufficiently in advance of the Centenary anniversaries to ensure that commemorative initiatives by interested parties may be informed of opportunities for support or association with the national programme.

The potential for development at the GPO complex in Dublin is being examined by the Office of Public Works and an assessment of the possibilities will be available soon for a presentation to Government. Other current projects include: a phased multi-annual programme of works is underway at Glasnevin cemetery, scheduled for completion in 2016; the preparation of the personal files and records in the Military Archives for public access; the restoration of the yacht Asgard by the National Museum of Ireland.

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1011: To ask the Minister for Defence the progress that has been made in relation to the programme for Government commitment to make available to historians and to the public, records of the Military Pensions Archive in the Department of Defence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47832/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In 2006, in the context of the 90th Anniversary celebrations of 1916, An Taoiseach announced, that the Government had decided to make the Military Pensions Archive, covering the 1916 Rising and the War of Independence, available to historians and to the public. It is the intention of the Government that the records will be made available in good time for the 100th anniversary of the Rising in 2016.

I am pleased to report on progress with the project. Additional staff have been recruited for the Military Archives in Cathal Brugha Barracks. Of these, 1 senior civilian archivist/project manager and 3 archivists have been assigned to the Military Pensions Archive project. With assignment of a dedicated project manager and archivists the project is proceeding in a timely manner. The preparation of the personal files and records in the Military Pensions Archives for public access is underway. In addition, a scoping exercise has been completed that will guide the approach to the work.