Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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50. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to promote the famine walkway. [45704/23]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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My Department hosts the National Famine Commemoration Day each year. The Government, on 1st May 2018, approved the designation of the third Sunday of May each year as the National Famine Commemoration Day. The arrangements for the holding of the State commemoration on this day or the preceding Saturday is decided each year following consultation with the relevant local authority and host community. The Commemoration takes place in each province on a rotating basis. This year it was held in Milford, Co. Donegal on Sunday 21st May. The commemoration, which was open to the public, was presided over President Higgins and included military honours and a wreath laying ceremony.

My Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national tourism policy and implementation of that policy is a matter for the tourism agencies, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, as well as certain other bodies. With specific regard to plans to promote the famine walkway, this is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland in line with its tourism development functions. I have referred this question to them for direct response to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.