Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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490. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the date and location for the international day of famine commemoration in 2025 will be announced; and whether he agrees that from 2026 onwards, it should take place on the same date as the national famine commemoration. [37783/25]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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The International Famine Commemoration was developed in 2009, by the National Famine Commemoration Committee, whose main objective is to consider the most appropriate arrangements for the annual commemorations of the Great Irish Famine.

The aim of the International Famine Commemoration is to create an opportunity for the diaspora to collectively remember all those who suffered, died or were forced to emigrate due to An Gorta Mór. The Commemoration also acknowledges and celebrates the significant contributions of those who emigrated and of their descendants abroad.

Each year my Department works with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to identify viable options for the International Famine Commemoration and share these details with the National Famine Commemoration Committee. These can be places that resonate deeply or have a special connection to the Irish Famine, such as Famine Rock in Williamstown, Melbourne or Ireland Park, Toronto, Canada. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is also key in identifying relevant events or programmes of events that can complement and enhance the solemn State ceremony.

Scheduling the International Famine Commemoration to a specific day each year, would limit its possibilities in terms of local diaspora communities abroad and create a situation of competing resources with the National Famine Commemoration. It could also adversely affect government representation at both events which has always reflected the true value and importance the State has placed on these commemorations, our commitment to never forget and the continued and meaningful engagement with our diaspora.

I would like to assure the Deputy that we hope to have an announcement on the location of the 2025 International Famine Commemoration shortly and that discussions on the location of the 2026 event are well advanced.