Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

65. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when a new commemorations committee will be set up; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40525/17]

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

I am committed to re-establishing the Oireachtas All Party Consultation Committee on Commemorations. I have written to the Ceann Comhairle to arrange for the nomination of members and also to the Leader of the SDLP to invite representation from that party to the committee. I expect that the practical arrangements to reconstitute the group will be completed shortly.

In the period leading up to the 1916 centenary commemorations, the All Party Consultation Committee on commemorations was instrumental in promoting an open, consensus-based and honest approach, which allowed all narratives to be heard and ensured that the State reflected appropriately on all of the major historical events as they unfolded. The work of the Committee complemented the work of the Expert Advisory Group on Commemorations which also advised the Government on its approach based on the authentic history of the period.

The Government will continue to mark significant events throughout the second half of the Decade of Centenaries. I believe that both the All Party Committee and the Expert Advisory Group have a significant contribution to make in relation to the second half of the Decade of Centenaries and I am looking forward to continued positive engagement and consultation with both groups over the coming period.