Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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407. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to extend the work of the Decade of Centenaries Oireachtas All-Party Consultation Group on Commemorations to encompass the State's history from the years 1913 to 1923; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39907/16]

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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408. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to establish a new Oireachtas all-party consultation group on commemorations (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39910/16]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 407 and 408 together.

The Government will continue to mark significant events throughout the Decade of Centenaries. This will be based on the inclusive, open and consultative approach that has worked so well this year. At all times, the Government has been supported in its plans by the guidance and advice of the Expert Advisory Group on Commemorations and the Oireachtas All-Party Consultation Group on Commemorations.

For example, next year, we will remember the battle of Messines. In 2018, we will mark the end of the First World War and the General Election of 1918 and then moving on to commemorate the First Dáil in January 2019. Commemorating the period of the War of Independence and the Civil War will present its own challenges. However, I strongly believe the same open and honest approach which we used for this year's successful commemorations, allowing all narratives to be heard, will ensure that we will be able to reflect appropriately on the all of the major historical events as they unfolded.

To this end, I can advise the Deputy that a number of new appointments have recently been made to the Expert Advisory Group on Commemorations and that Group is currently considering the issue of guidance around the approach to the second half of the Decade of Centenaries. As the Deputy will be aware, the term of office of the All-Party Consultation Group on Commemorations expired on 3 February of this year, with the dissolution of the 31st Dáil and Seanad. I am currently considering the steps necessary to re-establish the Oireachtas All-Party Consultation Group on Commemorations and I am committed to ensuring that we will be able to reflect appropriately and respectfully on all of the major historical events to be commemorated over the remainder of the Decade.