Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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544. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the introduction of the lumper schools project to schools to increase the knowledge and awareness of the Great Famine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27984/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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My Department is keen to support Famine commemoration where it is feasible and practicable to do so. My officials will seek further clarification regarding the project in question. This will include seeking copies of the literature being proposed for issue to schools, clarification regarding how the project would work during the period when schools are closed (i.e. holiday times), and ascertaining an understanding of how the project is being rolled out in Northern Ireland. When these details have been provided, they will be considered by my Department and a decision made.

Green-Schools is Ireland’s leading environmental management and education programme for schools. Promoting long-term, whole-school action for the environment Green-Schools is a student led programme with involvement from the wider community. The programme is operated and co-ordinated by the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce (FEE member for Ireland).

Green-Schools is operated in partnership with Local Authorities and is supported by the Department of Housing, Planning, Community & Local Government; Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment; Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport; The Department of Arts, Heritage Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs; Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Irish Aid, National Transport Authority; National Parks and Wildlife Service, Irish Water and the Wrigley Company Limited.