Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 November 2012
610. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans for the future development of the National Famine Memorial Day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47884/12]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that, as Chair of the National Famine Commemoration Committee, I am responsible for ensuring on behalf of the Government that appropriate arrangements are in place to commemorate the Great Irish Famine. Details of the work of the National Famine Commemoration Committees since 2008 in implementing a varied and diverse annual programme of events to coincide with the National Famine Commemoration are available on the relevant pages of my Department's website at http://www.ahg.gov.ie/en/NationalFamineCommemoration2012/ .
The National Famine Commemoration rotates between the four provinces of Ireland and this year the National Famine Commemoration will take place in Munster. In this regard, I have introduced a new selection process to determine the location of the National Famine Commemoration in 2013. This process will also be used to determine the locations for future commemorations. In line with this process, I have invited the County and City Councils in Munster to submit expressions of interest and proposals setting out possible locations where the ceremony might be held following consultation with local communities, interest groups and other stakeholders. The purpose of this new selection process is to generate public awareness and interest in the annual National Famine Commemoration, to increase the number of potential sites available to choose from each year and to ensure that the selection process is as transparent and open as possible. A sub-committee of the National Famine Commemoration Committee will assess these proposals and will recommend the most suitable site. I expect to announce the date and location of the commemoration following the sub-Committee's assessment.
The Deputy should also note that in line with previous years, an international event has been planned to commemorate the Great Irish Famine. In this regard, the 2013 International Commemoration of the Great Irish Famine will take place on Sunday, 25th August, in Sydney, Australia.
