Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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278. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding an initiative in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7484/19]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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As the Minister with responsibility for leading the Decade of Centenaries commemorative programme, my priority is to ensure that the Government's approach to the remembrance of the significant historical events and related themes, including remembrance of all those who lost their lives, in the period from 1919 to 1923 is appropriate, measured, authentic, respectful, inclusive and sensitive to the different perspectives that exist on the events of this period.

In this regard I have recently announced that the commemorative centenaries programme for 2019 and the years out to 2023 will be based on a four strand approach comprising:

- A State Ceremonial Strand which will comprise 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.

- An 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.

- The Creative Imagination Strand, which will continue to encourage artistic and creative expression in remembrance of the significant historical events of the period from 1919 to 1923 and all of those who lost their lives.

The most recent guidance of the Expert Advisory Group on the second phase of the Decade of Centenaries has emphasised the important role that local authorities and local community organisations can play in commemorating events of great local significance. The Government, moreover, recognises the critical importance of local authorities both as important partners in delivery of the Decade of Centenaries programme and in promoting a deeper understanding of this sensitive and challenging period in our history.

In this context, I have noted the initiative proposed for County Kerry.