Paul Connaughton (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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40. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in relation to the Government’s plans on Ireland 2016, if she is satisfied that the capital projects on track will be completed on time for the centenary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23555/15]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Plans to commemorate the 1916 Rising are well underway, with the aim of having a rich diversity of programmes and events, complementary and additional to formal State occasions, which will run throughout 2016. 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. A capital provision of €22 million has been allocated in 2015 to a number of flagship commemorations projects in order to create a long-term legacy and works are well underway on each of the seven ‘permanent reminders’ set out in the Government's Centenary Programme. A Capital Projects Steering Group has been established in my Department in order to oversee the progress of each of the projects under this programme and I am confident that they are on track for completion in 2016.

Further details relating to the schedule of launch dates for these projects will be available on as details are finalised.

In addition, the Government has decided to acquire the national monument at Nos. 14–17 Moore Street in order to safeguard the buildings for the future. The intention is to have the restoration works carried out and to have the planned 1916 Commemorative Centre opened with the least delay possible. My Department is working closely with the other parties involved, including relatives of those who took part in the events of 1916, to progress these plans.