Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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79. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a stream of funding is being made available to enable centenary events at a local level around the country in view of the fact that in the lifetime of budget 2018 the centenaries of the first events in the War of Independence will occur; her plans to consider such a scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47891/17]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I am committed to ensuring that the State's approach to remembering the significant historical events that took place on the road to the foundation of the State and all of those who lost their lives during this period, will be respectful, sensitive, inclusive and authentic. One of the most significant learnings from last year's Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme was the capacity of local communities to mobilise and achieve successful outcomes when the right structures and supports were put in place to assist their endeavours.

In its Second Phase Mission Statement, which I launched on 18th October, the Expert Advisory Group on Commemorations recognises the significant role played by local authorities to date in developing inclusive, citizen-focused, authentic commemorations and the Advisory Group is of the view that they should continue this important work and be supported in their role. I, also, am of the view that local authorities will have a key role in supporting engagement and facilitation in local communities and in developing suitable commemorative initiatives at county level in line with the principles expressed in the Expert Advisory Group's Second Statement.

I recently announced a public consultation process to stimulate debate around how the significant historical events and themes from 1918 - 1923 might be appropriately remembered and I would like to encourage the local authorities to participate in this process and submit their views. The issue of funding will be examined in this context.