Written answers

Tuesday, 27 July 2021

Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Commemorative Events

Photo of Pat BuckleyPat Buckley (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

585. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the ongoing work in developing a programme of commemoration for the Irish Civil War; her plans for any State apologies to those executed by the Free State in this period; and if she has spoken to An Taoiseach directly on all of these matters. [41313/21]

Photo of Catherine MartinCatherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As we navigate through the most challenging and sensitive phase of the Decade of Centenaries, the Government's approach to commemorations will continue to be underpinned by the guidance of the Expert Advisory Group on Centenary Commemorations (EAG) and consultation with the All-Party Consultation Group on Commemorations.  The EAG has published three statements to date, which can be found on the Decade of Centenaries website (www.decadeofcentenaries.com/publications/). I would urge everyone who has an interest in the forthcoming period of commemorations to consult the principles and advice set out in these publications.   

I am committed to ensuring that the State's approach to the remembrance of the Civil War and all of those who lost their lives during those years, will be based on the respectful, sensitive, measured and authentic ethos that has become the hallmark of the Decade of Centenaries 2012-2023 Programme.

On 27 April, the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste joined me at Collins Barracks for the launch of the 2021 Programme (www.gov.ie/en/publication/121ea-decade-of-centenaries-programme/) of centenary commemorations, which also includes the approach I am taking to the development of the Programme for 2022 and 2023.  As the Deputy would expect with a manner of such sensitivity and national interest, I keep my cabinet colleagues appraised of developments and plans in a timely manner and seek their input as appropriate.  In parallel, my Department chairs a very useful and effective Inter-Departmental Working Group of officials in support of the development of the Decade of Centenaries Programme.  

Historical accuracy, academic integrity and archival discovery will be key tenets as the Civil War commemorative programme develops to follow the centenary timeline of the historical events of the period.  It is important that our history is faithfully presented, even when the historical record is distressing.  We must acknowledge the great tragedy of all of the lives that were lost or irrevocably altered during those divisive and traumatic years.  

I welcome and encourage the continuing research of historians and custodians of records, who seek to increase our understanding of the historical events that occurred, which have so significantly shaped our modern world. The State’s Civil War commemorative programme will invite everyone to consider the painful legacies of our past and reach their own conclusions – the programme will not seek to communicate a preferred narrative or make judgements about any persons or actions.  It is not appropriate for the State to retrospectively analyse these historical events through the lens of contemporary perspectives.  This is best left to scholars trained in the discipline of history.  The guidance of the Expert Advisory Group in this regard is clear –  

“The State’s task is to encourage a reflective and a reconciliatory tone that recognises that neither side had the monopoly of either atrocity or virtue and this was true of words as well as actions." 

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.