Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 Nov 1995

Vol. 458 No. 8

Written Answers. - Millennium Commemoration.

Liam Lawlor

Question:

101 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht if any major building/heritage project is being considered as a public statement to mark the ending of the millennium; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that other countries appear to be much further advanced in planning similar projects; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that a special fund was established in Great Britain with funding of £1.5 billion sterling and that over 700 projects are under consideration; if he will provide details of similar initiatives planned for Ireland; if he accepts the desirability of leaving some tangible reminder of the millennium for future generations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17800/95]

Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht (Mr. M. Higgins)

I refer the Deputy to my reply of 2 March 1995 to Questions Nos. 40 and 64 of 2 March, 1995 (Dáil Debates Vol. 450, No. 1, Columns 145-146).

With regard to the situation in the UK, I understand the relevant legislation establishing the UK national lottery stipulates that 20 per cent of the proceeds should be devoted to millennium projects, many of which will be large scale capital projects.

I agree with the Deputy that it is desirable to leave a reminder of the millennium for future generations. However, the question of how best to mark the millennium in this country, the role of all State institutions in this regard and how, in particular, my Department might contribute to co-ordinating the cultural elements of millennium celebrations is a matter for Government.

I would have to say such a co-ordinating role could be assumed by my Department only on the provision of extra staffing and adequate dedicated financial resources.