Written answers

Thursday, 9 October 2014

Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Commemorative Events

Photo of Niall CollinsNiall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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284. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide an update on the 1916 commemorations; the committees involved; the personnel on the committees; the events planned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38584/14]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I refer the Deputy to my written reply to Parliamentary Question No. 615 of 7 October 2014. 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 shortly. This will be subject to consultation with stakeholders before finalisation.

Preparation of the plans for 2016 has taken account of the views of the Oireachtas All-Party Consultation Group on Commemorations and the Expert Advisory Group on Commemorations. The membership of these groups is set out below.

The Oireachtas All-Party Group on Commemorations is chaired by me, as Minister, with Minister of State Aodhán Ó Riordáin, T.D., as Vice-Chair. Membership includes Mr. Michael Conaghan, T.D., and Ms. Anne Ferris, T.D (Labour Party); Senators Mary White and Mark Daly (Fianna Fáil); Mr. Aengus O Snodaigh, T.D., and Senator Kathryn Reilly (Sinn Féin); Ms. Catherine Murphy, T.D., and Ms. Maureen O’Sullivan, T.D., (Independent); and Dr. Maurice Manning and Dr. Martin Mansergh (Expert Advisory Group on Commemorations). Additional nominations from Fine Gael will be made shortly, in line with the agreed composition of the Group.

The Expert Advisory Group on Commemorations is chaired by Dr Maurice Manning (Chancellor of the National University of Ireland), supported by Vice-Chairman, Dr Martin Mansergh. Membership includes Professor Mary Daly, Dr Eamon Phoenix, Dr Leeann Lane, Ms Sinéad McCoole, Professor Eunan O’Halpin, Professor Diarmuid Ferriter, Mr Francis Devine and Dr Mary Harris.

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