Jim O'Keeffe
Question:7 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht whether his attention has been drawn to the Skibbereen Famine Project; and his views on the concept.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Skibbereen (Cork) Famine Project.
My attention has been drawn to the Skibbereen Famine Project, a very worthy project, which seems to be aimed at the tourist market. As such this project is more appropriate for consideration by Bord Fáilte and the Department of Tourism and Trade rather than by my Department.
I have two questions but my first deals with the broad issue. I am glad the Minister considers the project a worthy one. Would he accept there is a dimension to it other than the tourist dimension? Would he accept that it is appropriate to mark the 150th anniversary of the great Irish famine, one of the greatest tragedies in Europe in the 19th century? Would he also agree that it is appropriate to develop means of interpreting the historical facts of that catastrophe for modern generations, including our own poeple? In that context does he agree with the need to explore truthfully that dark and tragic period of our history in a way which does not debase the dignity of humanity or trivialise human suffering? Can the Minister deal with that broad issue and consider whether in his own portfolio he would have a role in relation to this project?
I agree with the Deputy regarding the 150th anniversary of the famine. An enormous number of people died, some emigrated and some were left behind. It is appropriate that people are interested in a reconstruction of that period. When such projects come before my Department I look at them sympathetically. In the first instance this project is structured and tailored in such a way that its primary focus is on attracting visitors. It seems that the people who can assist most rapidly are those in tourism and trade.
Would the Minister agree that Skibbereen is an appropriate centre for such a project, not because it is my home town but because the people of Skibberreen suffered enormously during that period? Would the Minister agree that there is a modern analogy with famines all over the world in Sudan, Ethiopia, Angola and Bangladesh and that remembering our own past would encourage us to contribute to an even greater degree to the resolution of those problems? Taking all that into account, will the Minister accept that it is entirely appropriate that the Government should support, in the best way possible, the Skibbereen project? Can I rely on the Minister to ensure that this project gets off the ground?
The Deputy should not apologise for mentioning a matter relating to his own constituency. Skibbereen is one of the better documented places regarding the experience of the famine. The structure of moneylending during the period of the Famine has been studied in detail and is of immense scholarly interest. I think Skibbereen will be energised as it has been one of the major beneficiaries of what I have done for the film industry. A sum of £5.7 million has been spent during the summer and I am sure this has had some effect in the Skibbereen area. I look at this project with sympathy and because I examined it with sympathy I pointed to where it can most immediately be addressed and I certainly will be generally supportive.
I appreciate that.
I am sure the Minister is acquainted with the words of the famous song "Dear Old Skibbereen" which is part and parcel of our culture. This gives a graphic description of the ravages of the Famine period. Will he consider an appeal for a substantial grant to the project in view of its historical and cultural importance?
The song is not part of my personal repertoire.
I will give a rendering any evening the Minister wishes.
I should restrain myself, a Cheann Comhairle, from encouraging Deputy Sheehan to give such a dark promise; but let me assure him that the Government will take a sensitive and proper approach to Famine projects and I will seek to be as much assistance as I can in an appropriate way.
(Laoighis-Offaly): The tourism promotion of various Famine projects is a matter for another Department. A large number of such projects is being undertaken around the country and does he agree that the projects should be co-ordinated at national level in order to maximise their impact in developing our heritage?
We are dealing with dear old Skibbereen and I cannot allow an extension of the question.
(Laoighis-Offaly): I beg your indulgence, Sir.
It is confined to a specific place. If the Deputy wishes to raise——
(Laoighis-Offaly): I was not going to mention Tullamore or Portlaoise.