Written answers

Thursday, 6 March 2014

Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Commemorative Events

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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16. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if progress is being made on commemorating 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7487/14]

Photo of Seán Ó FearghaílSeán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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19. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide an update on the progress of the development of a 1916 interpretative centre at the GPO on O’Connell Street; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10703/14]

Photo of Sandra McLellanSandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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36. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide a full and detailed update on events being organised by the commemoration and decade of centenaries programme; the participation there will be for families, of those involved in 1916, in commemorative events. [10602/14]

Photo of Jimmy DeenihanJimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 16, 19 and 36 together.

I refer the Deputies to a number of recent replies in this House relating to the commemorative programme for the decade of centenaries. These have outlined the activities undertaken and the events planned for the remainder of 2014, as well as the programme leading up to 2016.

Already this year, we have seen the launch by the Taoiseach of the comprehensive Military Pensions Service Archive on-line project, which has attracted thousands of visitors to date, and the launch by the Tánaiste of the digitisation project, in association with Google, of Ireland's World War I Memorial Record.

During April, the centenary of the foundation of Cumann na mBan will be marked with a series of events, centring on a State memorial at Glasnevin Cemetery and a conference organised by the Women's History Association of Ireland, hosted by the National Museum of Ireland at Collins Barracks. Activities relating to the Ulster and Irish Volunteers, and to the Curragh Mutiny, are also planned.

The achievement of John Redmond and the Irish Parliamentary Party with the passing and suspension of the Third Home Rule Bill will also be acknowledged later this year, alongside the commemorations of the outbreak of the First World War.

Work is continuing apace on advancing a number of capital projects – including the Military Service Pensions Archive, the Courthouse at Kilmainham, the visitor facility at the GPO and Pearse's Cottage at Ros Muc - for which capital funding of €6m was made available for 2014.

Details of other forthcoming events will be posted on the centenary commemorations website at . I am pleased to note the contribution which the National Cultural Institutions continue to make in this area. This past week-end, for instance, the National Gallery held its inaugural Study Day dealing with the War Artists and War Poets. This was the opening event of a programme that will continue over the coming weeks at the Gallery. Similarly, last weekend the National Museum hosted a lecture on 'The Irish Soldier on Film'.

Public access and participation are key elements in the development of the commemorative arrangements. Where possible, special recognition and accommodation will be arranged for the families of 1916 personnel. Expressions of interest to attend events from family members are being received in the Department of Defence and will be specifically considered when commemorations are being planned.

I very much appreciate the suggestions and advice that I receive in relation to commemorative possibilities and I remain, as always, grateful to hear from Deputies with any views they wish to convey.

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