Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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27. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to commemorate victims of the Famine; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10195/15]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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As Chair of the National Famine Commemoration Committee, I am responsible for ensuring that appropriate arrangements are in place to commemorate the Great Irish Famine. My Department is currently in discussions with the key stakeholders, North and South, to ensure that the 2015 ceremony will be a fitting tribute to those who perished in Ulster during that tragic time in our history.

The 2015 Famine commemoration ceremonies are expected to take place in the latter half of the year, and I hope to be in a position shortly to announce the exact date and location of both the commemoration here at home and of the International Famine Commemoration, which in recent years has recognised overseas locations which played key roles in the narrative of the Great Famine, including New Orleans, Sydney, Boston and Liverpool.

As in previous years, I would hope to achieve the broadest possible representation from all sectors and communities in marking this solemn event here in Ireland. For instance, in previous years my Department has worked with the Department of Education and Skills to facilitate the participation of primary and post-primary schools nationwide in a minute of silent reflection at noon on the Friday preceding the commemoration. Similarly, many sporting and cultural organisations nationwide have also participated in a minute of silent reflection at events taking place on the day of the commemoration.

This year, it is my great privilege to be able to take this most important of events to my home province of Ulster. My Department and I are deeply committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that this year’s commemoration will once again provide people with an appropriate opportunity for a respectful remembrance to mark this pivotal chapter in the history of this island.