Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 April 2015
206. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress in respect of the preparation of the 1916 commemorations; the extent to which events in Dublin and throughout the country will be co-ordinated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17158/15]
View answerThe Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme was launched on 31 March 2015. One of the core objectives of the programme is to encourage and facilitate participation by, and the inclusion of, the citizens of Ireland to the greatest extent possible in the programme of events to commemorate this significant centenary.
The programme is underpinned by five intersecting and overlapping themes: Remembering, Reconciling, Presenting, Imagining and Celebrating. The programme comprises seven strands: State Ceremonial, Historical Reflection, An Teanga Bheo, Youth and Imagination, Cultural Expression, Community Participation and Global and Diaspora. It outlines a range of activities and events already planned under each of the seven strands and full details about the work being undertaken under each strand is outlined on the website www.ireland.ie.
The development of the centenary programme has been informed by the Expert Advisory Group on Commemorations, the All-Party Consultation Group on Commemorations and an extensive consultation, engagement and planning process, which has already been underway for several months and will continue until the end of this year. The purpose of the process is to inform, to stimulate debate and discussion about the events of 1916 and to foster programme initiatives. The consultation process involves a range of Government Departments and agencies, relatives, local authorities, local community groups, schools and universities, the Diaspora, historians and historical societies, as well as interested individuals and organisations. The strength of local community involvement and the unique perspectives and creative ideas of the participating groups and citizens will ensure that the significant events of 1916 will be brought to life and made interesting and relevant for people of all ages on the island of Ireland and abroad.
Some of the events and projects detailed in the programme are Dublin-based, particularly some of the State ceremonial events, given the very significant role that key buildings and locations in Dublin played in the 1916 Easter Rising. However, it should also be noted that Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme is very much a national programme and a range of events is planned across the country for 2016, including a number of State ceremonial events.
In addition, the Community Participation programme strand will be led by local authorities and I have allocated funding of €1 million in 2015 to support this overall process. A series of public meetings is currently being undertaken in each county, at which members of the public can come together to hear about Ireland 2016, meet those involved in their community, and to explore and learn about how they can get involved. I have requested that local authorities consult widely with local interest groups and community organisations, historical societies, schools and youth organisations, other stakeholders and members of the authority in relation to the selection of initiatives and development of county plans. Each local authority is expected to publish its plans in October 2015.
