Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I was very pleased to have secured funding of almost €50 million for the Decade of Centenaries subhead, the majority of which is allocated towards the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme. This includes approximately €31 million in capital funding for major projects including the new commemorative and visitor centre at the GPO and the refurbishment and redevelopment of Richmond Barracks among other projects. These projects will leave a lasting legacy from the commemorations. The allocation of over €18m in current funding for 2016 is also supporting the extensive list of State events, a significant international cultural programme supported by my Department through Culture Ireland, as well as programmes in our National Cultural Institutions, local community initiatives and major set piece events. This funding is also supporting a programme to commemorate the centenary of the Battle of the Somme which includes a ceremonial event and other initiatives including those within the National Cultural Institutions.

All funding has been fully allocated across the various programme strands and expenditure is monitored closely. Due to the scale and complexity of this once-off programme for 2016, it is inevitable that adjustments will be made to respond as the programme develops through the year. Some elements require additional funding to respond to emerging needs, for example, to cater for the huge public demand to participate in the very successful Easter weekend commemorative events. Other elements, particularly capital projects, may show delayed drawdown in allocated funding due to outside factors, for example, the plans to restore the National Monument at Moore Street which were delayed by legal action. I am confident, however, that all Centenary Programme commitments can be met within the overall allocation made available to my Department.

Many of the initiatives, by their nature, involve once-off spending. However, my Department will continue to provide funding for an appropriate programme of events through-out the Decade of Commemorations. The funding required will vary in response to the major events of the Decade.