Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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615. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the arrangements made to date to commemorate the 1916 Rising; if she will have specific commemorations at various locations associated with the Rising both in Dublin and around the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38143/14]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 25 of 16 July last. The commemorations to mark the centenary of the Easter Rising will be a major event in a programme in place since 2012, commemorating the events leading to the proclamation of the Irish Republic. These have included the introduction and progress of the third Home Rule Bill in the Westminster parliament, the formation of Volunteer movements, and the outbreak of World War I. Economic and social issues were examined in 2013 on the Centenary of the 1913 Lockout along with the role of suffragettes. This year has seen significant attention to the mobilisation in Ireland and across Europe for the First World War. In the coming year, alongside the continuing experience of World War I, this commemorative programme will address the cultural revival in Ireland, which reflected the strengthening sense of national identity and determination to achieve autonomous government.

As part of the 2016 commemorations, arrangements have been made for a number of significant capital projects. These include the renovation of Kilmainham Courthouse to enhance the visitor experience at Kilmainham Gaol, the development of a permanent exhibition space and interpretative centre at the GPO and the development of visitor facilities at Teach an Phiarsaigh, Ros Muc. The development of a Tenement Museum is moving ahead and I was also pleased to have been present last week at the announcement of the renovation works to take place at Richmond Barracks. Additionally, a permanent visitor facility is being built at Cathal Brugha Barracks for the Military Service Pensions Archive. Following on the inaugural online release of records in January last, the Minister for Defence last week released the second collection of files from this collection.

An inclusive and detailed programme of events for the commemoration of the 1916 Rising is being developed with a view to having a draft of that programme available this autumn. This will be subject to consultation with stakeholders before finalisation.