John Bruton
Question:2 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach if the Government have any plans to commemorate the centenary of the death of Charles Stewart Parnell in 1991.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Charles Stewart Parnell Centenary Commemoration.
The National Library is planning to mount an exhibition on the centenary of the death of Charles Stewart Parnell during 1991. My Department are in touch with other cultural institutions to examine the possibility of other initiatives to mark the centenary in an appropriate manner. The Government, of course, have already approved the issue of a special stamp during 1991 to commemorate the centenary.
Would the Taoiseach indicate the type of cultural activity he has in mind in view of the important contribution of Charles Stewart Parnell in particular and the parliamentary constitutional nationalist tradition in general to the development of Irish national life?
The National Gallery have indicated that they will be prepared to do something, as will, as I have mentioned, the National Library. I will welcome any suggestion from the Deputy or any of his colleagues because I do think it is an occasion which we should mark in a very special way.
Is the Taoiseach aware that there is an annual commemoration ceremony on Ivy Day in Glasnevin? Would he consider on this occasion ensuring that there is Government and Oireachtas representation at this ceremony in view of the fact it is the centenary of the death of Charles Stewart Parnell?
It gives me great pleasure, for once, to acknowledge a very good suggestion from the Deputy. I think we both agree on our admiration for Parnell.
That is about as far as it goes.
He was a closet Fianna Fáil man.
Our common view of history stops at about 1891.