Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 November 2015
177. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on a proposal to erect a statue or memorial in O'Connell Street, Dublin 1, dedicated to the role of women in Ireland's struggle for independence in the interest of equality; given that currently there are seven memorials on the city's main thoroughfare, all dedicated to men; her further views that it is time to address this imbalance. [40760/15]
View answerThe 2016 Centenary Programme, published on 31 March, emphasises the important role played by women in the events of 1916 and there will be a special focus on the role played by these women in the Programme. A number of signature events relating to women are already contained in the programme, including conferences to be held in NUI Galway and Dublin City University on the role of women in Irish political life up to the present day. In addition, a special State ceremonial event will also be held on 8th March 2016, International Women’s Day, in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, which will commemorate the role played by women during 1916. The 31 local authority plans for next year’s centenary commemorations, launched on 8 October 2015 also contain more than 70 events and initiatives relating to women of the Rising and associated themes. They include lectures, exhibitions, art and theatre events, as well as events commemorating Cumann na mBan and individual women who played a direct or indirect part in the Rising.
I will ask my Department's Ireland 2016 Project Team to explore options in relation to this proposal with relevant stakeholders.
