Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Independent)
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146. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht , in view of the fact that her Department recently rejected an Ireland Inspires proposal modelled on the success of The Gathering 2013, the reason trade and tourism are not among the priorities of the Ireland 2016 commemoration programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5463/15]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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While The Gatheringinitiative was successful in generating tourism and trade in Ireland, it is widely acknowledged that the commemoration of the events of 1916 should and will have a different focus. In this regard, I am committed, together with my Government colleagues, to ensuring that the commemorations to mark the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising will be inclusive, appropriate and respectful.

The Ireland 2016initiative, which I am leading, aims to develop, coordinate and deliver a programme to honour and remember those who fought and died in the Rising. It will also reflect on the legacy of that period and look towards our future, based around 5 themes, as set out in the Government's framework plan:

- Remembering the past

- Reconciling and respecting all traditions

- Presenting Ireland to the world

- Imagining our future

- Celebrating our achievements.

The Ireland 2016initiative will, as did The Gathering,seek to build positive engagement with the citizens of Ireland across the Government, State agency and community sectors.

I have secured an allocation of €4 million in current funding to support the development of an integrated national plan focused on the commemoration of the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising. This allocation will be used to engage with and support a wide range of activities and events by interested groups, including local community groups and the arts, as well as Irish language and educational projects. The allocation of €4 million is in addition to the capital provision of €22 million, which will be allocated in 2015 to a number of flagship commemoration projects.

I anticipate that the overall investment in the Ireland 2016programme will have a positive impact in terms of employment, trade and tourism, as well as wider economic benefits, both locally and nationally.

I will continue to work with the Oireachtas All-Party Consultation Group on Commemorations, the Expert Advisory Group and a wide range of stakeholders over the coming 18 months to ensure that the events of Easter 1916 are marked in a fitting manner.