Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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414. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the plans that have been made to mark, on 13 November 2013, the centenary of the decision, taken at a meeting at Wynn's Hotel, Dublin 1, to establish the Irish Volunteers, fore-runner of the the Irish National Army and of the present day Oglaigh na hÉireann / Defence Forces Ireland; if in particular the contribution of Bulmer Hobson, the Volunteers' first Secretary General / Quartermaster General and future historian of the volunteers, will be appropriately acknowledged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3101/13]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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The founding of the Irish Volunteers is among the historic events of 1913 that will feature in the commemorative programme this year. The arrangements for commemoration are currently under consideration and will include the Defence Forces. Contributing towards an enhanced understanding of the period, I feel that the imminent centenary anniversary presents a welcome opportunity to explore and acknowledge the role and actions of the founders.

Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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415. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in view of the fact that the Republic declared on Easter Monday 1916 was declared by the Irish Republican Brotherhood, the plans he has to research and publish information, in the context of the Bureau of Military History, or otherwise, on the membership of the Irish Republican Brotherhood over the decade from the decision in August 1914 to stage a rising up to the dissolution of the IRB in March 1924; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3102/13]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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The priority commitment of official archives and institutions in relation to research and publication of records will be to enhance access for scholars and the public, rather than to commission research. This is being achieved through occasional new releases of material and the digitisation of collections for online access.

I am confident that historical research will be assisted by the increased use of records arising from ongoing digitisation projects, as well as the production of additional finding aids and outreach initiatives, including lectures for historical groups and universities.