Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 October 2013
416. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funding that has been made available to the decades committee in relation to the celebration of historic events; the procedures for groups to apply for this funding; to whom funding has already been allocated and on what basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40461/13]
View answerIn making arrangements for centenary commemorations, priority consideration is being afforded to the arrangements for immediate anniversaries with a view to marking them as they arise. Against that backdrop, where possible, a measure of support is being provided to local authorities, colleges and community groups for their commemorative initiatives from the existing resources of several Departments, agencies and services. In addition, the National Cultural Institutions are funding initiatives by prioritising their funding apportionment. It has not been possible to date to allocate resources that would enable the introduction of a special commemorative fund to which groups might apply for assistance with their projects.
I would like to express a profound appreciation of the commemorative programme currently being brought forward by the Lockout 1913 Committee. I believe the events they have organised bring attention to many aspects of the economic and social life of the period and illustrate a very important element of the developing Irish revolution. In large part, this programme has relied on the enthusiasm and commitment of volunteers. It is a tremendous exemplar of the potential role and capacity of community groups in the coming years. The same enthusiasm is already evident in relation to the imminent centenaries of the Irish Volunteers and the First World War.
The Deputy can be assured that community-based commemorative initiatives will receive all possible assistance within the context of ensuring the optimal use of the available resources.
