Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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2031. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to the 1,500th anniversary of the birth of St. Colmcille in December 2020; and if her officials will co-operate with Donegal County Council to ensure that the local celebrations in County Donegal and the north west be built on to ensure that the legacy of St. Colmcille and contribution to Christendom here and internationally are appropriately reflected. [35946/19]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the 1,500th anniversary of the birth of St. Colmcille in December 2020. My officials have had some initial discussions with Foras na Gaeilge regarding how the anniversary might be marked.

As yet, I have not received an approach from Donegal County Council on the matter, but I would of course be open to a discussion between my Department and the Council to help ensure that this anniversary will be marked appropriately.

Earlier this year, the heritage of Colmcille was celebrated at a special event in the Music Room in Christ Church Cathedral on Saturday 8 June, the eve of the Feast of Colmcille. The event was part of partnership programme between Foras na Gaeilge and Bórd na Gàidhlig, which promotes the use of Irish and Scottish Gaelic in Ireland and in Scotland and between the two countries.