Jim O'Keeffe
Question:3 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Taoiseach the plans, if any, the Government has to mark the 400th anniversary of the Battle of Kinsale of 1601. [2702/98]
Ceisteanna—Questions. - Commemorative Events.
The Government has no plans at present to mark the 400th anniversary of the Battle of Kinsale in 2001. Events to commemorate the battle are, however, being considered locally by a sub-committee of Kinsale Urban District Council.
I accept the event will be marked locally, but since the Battle of Kinsale was a turning point in Irish and European history — it was followed by the flight of the earls from Ulster in 1607 — it should be remembered nationally. I suggest a postage stamp should be issued to commemorate the Battle of Kinsale of 1601.
I will consider that point. Usually suggestions about issuing a postage stamp are made too late. At least the Deputy is giving plenty of notice and I will ask the Minister to examine the matter.
I thank the Taoiseach for his positive response. If further worthy suggestions are made about commemorating this major historic event, will he be open to them?
Submissions on commemorations have been received by Taoisigh for years and I cannot refuse a submission, particularly given that my father is from Kinsale.
In considering this matter perhaps the Taoiseach will include the historic rescue from Mizen Head by Deputy Sheehan of a former leader of the Fianna Fáil Party, Mr. Haughey.
That matter is not relevant to this question.
The Spaniards were equally bad navigators.
I support Deputy O'Keeffe in this matter. It should be borne in mind that it is a matter of disappointment for those who travel, particularly from Tyrone, Derry and Donegal, that no effort is made to commemorate this historic battle in which the O'Neills and O'Donnells were involved. Is the Taoiseach aware of the disappointment of those such as myself whose forefathers were involved in this battle that no commemoration is planned? I am not speaking in personal terms, but people from places such as Tyrone and Donegal are disappointed at the lack of plans to commemorate the event.
As far as I am aware, no submission has been put forward on that matter except by Kinsale Urban District Council, which has made a comprehensive submission to my Department covering local initiatives and matters. The anniversary is still some time away. Suggestions have been made that the event should be remembered not only in the year 2001 but during a two year period, and perhaps during that period areas other than Kinsale could be included in the plan.
I represent the same constituency as my colleague, Deputy O'Keeffe. I am somewhat disappointed at the Taoiseach's lack of enthusiasm for Deputy O'Keeffe's suggestion.
I thought the Deputy would welcome it.
It seems to me the Taoiseach is more interested in the history of King John's Castle at the moment than in the Battle of Kinsale.
I am interested in Kinsale too.