Written answers

Thursday, 31 January 2019

Department of Justice and Equality

Commemorative Events

Photo of James BrowneJames Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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98. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding centenary commemorations for the founding of the Civic Guard and An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4812/19]

Photo of Charles FlanaganCharles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The Government's approach to commemorations over the remainder of the Decade of Centenaries will continue to be supported by the guidance of the Expert Advisory Group on Centenary Commemorations. The Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht published the most recent guidance from the Advisory Group earlier this month.  Plans to mark the centenaries of particular significant events and related themes will be informed by the Group's advice and will be developed in consultation and collaboration with the relevant Government Departments and organisations including An Garda Síochána.

On 8 January, the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan T.D., outlined how the Government plans to approach the development of an appropriate programme to remember the significant historical events and themes over the remainder of the Decade of Centenaries (2019 – 2023).  The programme will be based on a four strand approach comprising:

- A State Ceremonial Strand involving a limited number of symbolic acts of national commemoration, focusing on themes of remembrance and reconciliation and on the commemoration of all of those who lost their lives during this period.

- A Historical Strand which will comprise a diverse range of activities designed to encourage authentic historical enquiry about this period and promote the use of primary archival sources. Initiatives will be developed in collaboration with State partners, National Cultural Institutions, institutions of learning and other stakeholders.

- A Community Strand, which will involve a collaborative approach – similar to that adopted for the 1916 centenary commemorations – between the State, local authority network and community organisations, including in Northern Ireland where appropriate.

- A Creative Imagination Strand which will continue to encourage artistic and creative expression in remembrance of these significant historical events and all of those who lost their lives.

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