Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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1202. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her Department will co-ordinate a range of appropriate State commemorative events to mark the 1,500th anniversary of the birth of St. Colmcille in December 2020 in co-operation with the National Museum, the National Monuments Service, an organisation (details supplied) and Donegal County Council; and if she will liaise with counterparts in governments internationally to mark the anniversary. [44379/19]

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 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 or the organisation referred to by the Deputy on the matter, but I would of course be open to a discussion between my Department and either party 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 a 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.