Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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651. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the launch of Raidio Teilifís Éireann's commemorative programme for 1916; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40010/15]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The RTÉ 2016 commemorative programme was launched on 4 November 2015. The programme is rich in culture, debate, drama and entertainment, will be accessible across all media platforms, and will include television documentaries, drama series and radio programmes. The programme will be accessible online and on mobile devices, thereby ensuring availability to people both in Ireland but also worldwide. I understand that a diverse range of topics will be explored and investigated, including:

- The story of the Children of the Revolution, regarding the stories of the children who were killed during the events of 1916;

- A four-part Irish language programme covering a range of stories, including those of Roger Casement and the Abbey actor and idealist, Arthur Shields;

- A major drama entitled Rebellion, which will follow the events of 1916 through the eyes of three young women, giving different perspectives on the events of that time; and

- A four-part series entitled Ireland Rising,which is currently airing on Sunday evenings.

RTÉ is also working with the Ireland 2016 Project Team in my Department to produce a large-scale public event to be held on Easter Monday 2016. This will be a multi-locational public event, allowing people to watch and participate in Ireland and across the globe.