Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 February 2010
376 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether the establishment of a public centre detailing the history and culture of the communities of Northern Ireland may enhance understanding here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6958/10]
View answerThe consolidation of peace in Northern Ireland and the promotion of partnership and co-operation between both traditions on the island of Ireland is a key policy priority for the Irish Government. In this regard, mutual understanding of the history and culture of the two main traditions is an important building block in fostering reconciliation on the island. This rich historical and cultural heritage is not the exclusive preserve of the communities in the North alone but is also shared on an island-wide basis. This is manifested in the numerous historical buildings, local museums and interpretative centres, many of which are owned and operated by the State.
The Government is committed to deepening the understanding of our shared history. Of particular importance has been the construction of a visitor centre at the Battle of the Boyne site in Oldbridge, Co. Meath, in recognition of the historical significance of the site. The Centre was opened on 6 May 2008 and has already made a significant contribution towards breaking down the barriers of misunderstanding and mistrust and fostering lasting reconciliation between the traditions on the island.
In addition to the Government investment in the Oldbridge site, the Reconciliation Fund, administered by my Department, aims to assist organisations involved in reconciliation work and efforts to create better understanding between people on the island of Ireland and between Ireland and Britain. Some of the projects funded in recent years have explored the history and culture of the two main traditions on the island. Examples include:
The Saint Patrick Centre, a permanent exhibition in Downpatrick dedicated to Ireland's Patron Saint, which provides reconciliation and education programmes to thousands of children in Northern Ireland every year as well as running cross border and international youth programmes.
Support for organisations such as Cooperation Ireland, Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation, Meath Peace Group and the Irish Peace Institute, which facilitates cross border exchange programmes that explore cultural differences between the communities on the island.
The Commemoration Initiative Fund, operated by the Department of the Taoiseach, provides funding to assist individuals or groups in organising the commemoration of individuals or events of historic importance. Funding under this scheme in 2009 was committed towards the cost of the Mayo Peace Park, a publication to mark the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Irish Republican Brotherhood, the commemoration of the bicentenary of the birth of William Gladstone and a conference on the plural Protestant traditions in Ireland. Previous initiatives included marking the 90th anniversary of the Easter Rising and the Battle of the Somme.
Finally, as the island moves into a decade marking the centenary of historical events which have been seminal in the evolution of the history and culture of the two main traditions on the island, the Department of the Taoiseach is engaged with other Departments and agencies on the preparation of a centenary commemorative programme. While centred on the Easter Rising, it will also include the centenary of the start of World War I in 2014 and the centenary of the Battle of the Somme in 2016. The Minister for Defence is chair of the Oireachtas all-party consultation group on centenary commemorations.
