Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Question 406: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if, as part of the forthcoming commemorations of the 1916 Rising, he has any plans to commemorate the internment of those who participated in the Rising at Frongoch in Wales and other centres; if he will engage with his counterparts in the UK as part of the consultative process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29368/12]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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The decade from 1912 to 1922 is the most momentous of modern Irish history and requires a comprehensive commemorative programme that will acknowledge the achievements of the revolutionary generation and enhance the understanding today of the events that shaped our society. While the Centenary commemorative programme commenced earlier this year, the arrangements for the continuing decade are still at an early stage of development. I am working with the British Government and the Executive in Northern Ireland in this regard. I very much appreciate the interest and support of British Ministers and officeholders from Northern Ireland for the programme and their participation in several recent commemorative events.

At the centre of the programme for the Decade of Centenaries, there will be a comprehensive commemoration of the Easter Rising with attention to both the background and consequences. The detention of prisoners is an important part of the story of the Rising and an account of their experience at Frongoch and elsewhere would be appropriate in the commemorative programme. As the general arrangements for commemoration of the Rising in 2016 are still under development, I would not seek to anticipate the particular arrangements for the prisoners or any other element of the programme.

I very much appreciate the interest reflected in this enquiry and would extend an invitation to the Deputy and any other persons to contact me with the contributions or suggestions they would offer towards the developing programme.