Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

359. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the proposals to declare a Daniel O’Connell National Memorial Day following on from the very successful Daniel O’Connell Heritage Summer School that was held in Derrynane, Caherciveen in recent weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39104/13]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Daniel O’Connell was the foremost constitutional parliamentarian of his age. His mass mobilisation of the Irish people with a view to the peaceful advancement of their cause through the parliamentary process was an inspirational template followed by many in later years. Not only 'The Liberator' to his people, O'Connell was also a leading figure in the development of democracy and human rights in Europe and beyond. The vision and achievements of Daniel O'Connell distinguish him as one the greatest Irishmen and I hold him in enormous personal regard. I am keen to promote awareness of the life and work of O'Connell and to encourage research and debate on topics relevant to that legacy.

In addition to the Summer School event to which the Deputy refers, there is an increasing number of annual and other events commemorating Daniel O'Connell that I have been pleased to support. Working with Glasnevin Trust, I was a partner in the introduction some years ago of an annual commemoration at the O'Connell mausoleum each May. Supported by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, the County Mayor of Kerry, the O'Connell Schools, the O'Connell family and many others – including the British Embassy - this annual occasion has grown to include a Memorial Mass in the Church of St Andrew at Westland Row, Dublin 2 (of which O'Connell was a benefactor), and a Memorial Lecture organised by Glasnevin Trust on a topical theme. As the coming year is the bi-centenary of the birth of Thomas Davis, the programme will consider the relationship between O'Connell and the Young Ireland movement.

I have also been working with the Office of Public Works in relation to events at Derrynane, Co Kerry, to promote the consciousness of O'Connell. A special event there in September 2012 considered the European perspective on O'Connell and his significant influence on the African-American, Frederick Douglass.

In the absence of any framework or tradition for the official designation of National Memorial Days in respect of Irish persons of historic achievement and renown, I welcome the commitment that brings people together to organise such commemorations and consideration of O'Connell. With this enthusiastic interest and support, the memory of Daniel O'Connell will not fade from the national consciousness.