Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

57. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her Department has carried out an assessment of the success and impact of the State commemorative events held throughout the Easter period; to provide attendance figures for the events; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13254/16]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

A large number of events took place over the Easter weekend as part of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme, all of which were very well attended by invited guests and members of the public. In particular, the military parade and ceremony at the GPO on Easter Sunday saw approximately 4,500 guests attending (predominantly relatives of those who took part in the 1916 Rising) as well as many thousands of citizens attending the parade right along its route. Easter Monday saw the largest public history and cultural event ever staged in Ireland, with more than 500 free talks, exhibitions, music, theatre, debates and performances across a number of venues and zones in Dublin city centre. It is estimated that over 1 million people were present to participate in and enjoy these two events alone.

Feedback from members of the public and the media clearly indicated the very positive engagement of the general public with the commemorative events, as well as the extent to which citizens felt a great sense of national pride and respect during this historic time.

The Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme is a year-long initiative, with a huge diversity of programmes and events running throughout 2016. While a large number of the key events took place around the Easter period, the Programme will continue through the remainder of 2016 and there are a number of exciting and innovative programmes and initiatives planned, including many activities at local level. I am confident that our citizens will continue to engage with the Programme over the coming months.

I will decide in due course on the approach that should be adopted to appropriately assess the impact of the Centenary Programme, following the conclusion of the year’s events.