Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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1306. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a location for the An Gorta Mór Ulster NFMD Commemoration 2020 has been selected; her plans and or vision for the commemoration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3917/20]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, each year the National Famine Commemoration provides an opportunity for the host community to honour the memory of those who perished or suffered loss during the famine.

As I announced in February it was intended that this year's Commemoration would be held in Buncrana, Co. Donegal. However, due to the COVID-19 outbreak, and the associated restrictions on public gatherings it has become necessary to postpone Buncrana's hosting of the ceremony until 2021.

With regard to this year's Commemoration I am pleased to confirm that I will represent the Government at a formal wreath laying ceremony in St. Stephen's Green on this Sunday 17th May. As with the recent Easter and Arbour Hill ceremonies this ceremony will be conducted in accordance with the current COVID-19 guidelines and will not therefore be open to the public.