Bertie Ahern
Question:11 Mr. B. Ahern asked the Taoiseach if there has been any contact by the Government with interested Northern groups in relation to the planned commemoration of the 1798 Rebellion. [21739/96]
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Commemoration of 1798 Rebellion.
The interdepartmental 1798 commemoration committee, which I chair, is currently preparing the Government's programme of commemorative events for 1798.
As part of these preparations I made contact this year with 53 historical societies and organisations in Northern Ireland, seeking to establish what events and projects are planned. Over the past year I have also been in contact with Northern Ireland borough and district councils, Queen's University, the Ulster Museum and the Linen Hall. To date I have received a number of replies on the matter. More recently I have been in correspondence with the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland education committee in Belfast——
That is a contradiction in terms.
——and I hope to meet it early in the new year to discuss commemoration plans.
The Minister received her letters anyway.
I welcome the fact that the Minister of State has been in touch with people in the North because the commemoration of 1798 is connected to the North. Does the Minister of State agree that the 150th anniversary of the 1848 rebellion, which is effectively a commemoration of the Young Ireland movement, should be held in tandem with the bicentenary of 1798, as suggested by a number of groups? It is a logical idea.
I have no difficulty with the Deputy's suggestion. I was specifically appointed chairperson of the 1798 committee by the Taoiseach and I am not sure my brief extends as far as the Deputy suggests. However, the matter can be examined.
Does the Minister agree it should be held in tandem?
I have no problem with it personally.
So the Minister of State is in charge of all rebellions.
It is a good choice.
I would not quibble with it.
As long as I am not causing them.
We will move onto Priority Questions.