Written answers
Wednesday, 6 May 2015
Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht
Easter Rising Commemorations
Colm Keaveney (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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608. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views that Ireland should mark the anniversary of one of the main foundational moments in this country's struggle to achieve a national republic, the Easter Rising of 1916, in a manner similar to other republics, such as the United States of America and the French Republic, that is to say without any sense of apology to, or cultural cringe towards, the foreign people and Government that long usurped the sovereign and indefeasible right of the people of Ireland to the ownership of Ireland, and to the unfettered control of Irish destinies; the manner in which she plans to give expression to this in the centenary celebrations of the 1916 Rising, and to the vision of a republic that cherishes all of the children of the nation equally, and is oblivious of the differences which had been carefully fostered by an alien Government, which had divided a minority from the majority in the past; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17252/15]
Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme which was launched by Government on 31st March clearly states how important it is that we the citizens come together in 2016 to celebrate and have pride in Ireland’s independence and to honour those who gave their lives, so that the dream of self determination could become a reality. It is important also that we do this in a way that is respectful and inclusive to reflect the mature Republic that we have become over the last 100 years.
One of the core objectives of the programme is to encourage and facilitate participation by, and the inclusion of, the citizens of Ireland to the greatest extent possible in the programme of events to commemorate this significant centenary. The programme is underpinned by five intersecting and overlapping themes; Remembering, Reconciling, Presenting, Imagining and Celebrating. The programme comprises seven strands; State Ceremonial, Historical Reflection, An Teanga Bheo, Youth and Imagination, Cultural Expression, Community Participation and Global and Diaspora. It outlines a range of activities and events already planned under each of the seven strands and full details about the work being undertaken under each strand is outlined on the website .
The Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme places a special focus on the Seven Signatories of the Proclamation. A number of specific projects and activities in the programme relate to the Seven Signatories and individual signatories will also be remembered in a wide variety of ways.
At the centre of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme are the State Ceremonial Events, which represent the formal and solemn remembrance of the events of 1916 by the citizens of Ireland as the seminal event in our modern history, which led to our independence. The importance of our national flag and the ideals behind the Proclamation will also play a central role in the programme of events.
The development of the centenary programme has been informed by the Expert Advisory Group on Commemorations, the All-Party Consultation Group on Commemorations and an extensive consultation, engagement and planning process, which has already been underway for several months and will continue until the end of this year. The purpose of the process is to inform, to stimulate debate and discussion about the events of 1916 and to foster programme initiatives. The consultation process involves a range of Government Departments and agencies, relatives, local authorities, local community groups, schools and universities, the Diaspora, historians and historical societies, as well as interested individuals and organisations. The strength of local community involvement and the unique perspectives and creative ideas of the participating groups and citizens will ensure that the significant events of 1916 will be brought to life and made interesting and relevant for people of all ages on the island of Ireland and abroad.
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