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Commemorative Events

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 April 2013

Thursday, 25 April 2013

Questions (14, 17, 20, 28, 42)

Derek Keating

Question:

14. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the celebrations he has planned to recognise the centenary of the 1916 Rising; if he will include in the commemoration the events at the Four Courts, Boland's Mill, Beggars Bush, Kilmainham Gaol and other significant areas that need to be recognised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19155/13]

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Barry Cowen

Question:

17. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress he has made on preparations for the 100th anniversary of 1916; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19256/13]

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Willie O'Dea

Question:

20. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the events that will be held to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the Irish Volunteers this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19260/13]

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Derek Keating

Question:

28. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in view of the fact that he is chairman of the forthcoming celebrations to recognise the 1916 centenary, his plans to celebrate this date; if he has included in the commemorations the Four Courts, the GPO, the Custom House, Boland's Mill, Beggars Bush, Kilmainham Gaol and other significant areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19156/13]

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Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

42. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in the context of the decade of commemorations, his plans to restore Richmond Barracks; and if he will implement the recommendations in the proposal submitted to his office by Dublin City Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19366/13]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 14, 17, 20, 28 and 42 together.

The Centenary commemorative programme commenced with the anniversary of the 3rd Home Rule Bill in 1912 and, guided by the historic timeline, will continue to address the issues and events of the revolutionary age. The programme will be comprehensive, authentic and inclusive. Against the background of the developing Home Rule crisis, activities in the current year relate to the Centenary of 'The Lockout' and the formation of the Irish Volunteers. Largely organised by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, a very active programme of events will continue through the year relating to the living and working conditions in Dublin. The ICTU programme is supported and complemented by initiatives of the national cultural institutions and Dublin City Council, including particularly a major exhibition to open in the National Library this August and the current 'One City, One Book' programme promoting the reading of 'Strumpet City'.

The centenary of the founding of the Irish Volunteers will be marked by exhibitions, presentations, special commemorative issues and official ceremonies in November. The particular arrangements are under development and will be announced shortly.

The Easter Rising and the Proclamation of the Irish Republic will be at the centre of the commemorative programme and will be marked in 2016. In keeping with the development of an authentic programme, all the principal sites relating to the Rising and subsequent events will feature in the commemorations.

I am aware of the significance of Richmond Barracks, especially the former gymnasium used to accommodate prisoners after the Rising. The special opportunity for renewal arising from the commemorations and the contribution it could make to an area regeneration project have been described in meetings with community groups. The possibilities are under consideration in consultation with Dublin City Council.

I take this opportunity to express my appreciation of the support of the members of the Oireachtas Consultation Group on Commemorations and to invite any member of the House to contact me with suggestions or advice.

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