Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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27. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide an update on her plans for the commemoration of the 1916 Rising; the level of engagement her Department has had with the families of those who participated in the Rising; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31154/14]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Development of an inclusive and detailed programme of events for the commemoration of the 1916 Rising is continuing and I hope to have a refined draft of that programme in the autumn. That draft will be subject to consultation with stakeholders before finalisation. As is the nature of these programmes, it may continue to evolve as we move towards 2016, as ideas crystallise and resources become available. Through consultation with the Oireachtas All-party Working Group on Commemorations and the Expert Advisory Group on Commemorations, I will be seeking to prioritise ideas that are of educational and historical value, that provide a lasting legacy and that are appropriate in tone, balance and scale to the events being commemorated.

Expressions of interest in attending 1916 Commemorations were recently invited from relatives of 1916 Rising participants. The information being collated will be associated with existing databases of such material held by the Department of Defence. My predecessor also recently met a group representing these relatives with a view to establishing a regular forum for dialogue, consultation and information sharing on an ongoing basis. It is hoped that these initiatives will contribute towards having a successful and inclusive series of commemorations in 2016.

Information on the developing commemorative programme will be available on my Department's commemorations website at and individual announcements will issue for specific events. I would, of course, be glad to hear from Deputies with any views on commemorative arrangements.

In addition, a number of flagship capital projects have been identified as priorities for completion by Easter 2016. These include the development of a suitable permanent facility for the Military Service Pensions Archive, the renovation of Kilmainham Courthouse to enhance the visitor experience at Kilmainham Gaol, the development of a permanent exhibition space and interpretive centre at the GPO and the development of visitor facilities at Teach an Phiarsaigh, Ros Muc, as well as the renovation of Richmond Barracks and the development of a Tenement Museum. These initiatives are moving apace.