Written Answers Nos. 637-658
637. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport why Iarnród Éireann has decided to change the timetable for the commuter trains at Howth junction (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44094/15]
View answerThe issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
638. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport following confirmation that the British Department for Transport has agreed to co-fund the re-instatement of the Derry to Dublin air connection and further to his response to previous Parliamentary Question No. 1148 of 3 November 2015, if he will support the application from the City of Derry Airport to co-fund this air link in acknowledgement of the massive infrastructure deficits in linking Donegal and Derry to Dublin, in comparison with other major cities and regions. [44139/15]
View answerSince PQ No. 1148 of 3 November last, I have responded on this matter to the Chairman of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. In that response, I pointed out that while I would very much welcome this proposed new route, we do not have any schemes similar to the UK Government's Regional Air Connectivity Fund and there is no Exchequer funding available to support new route start-ups. The only Exchequer funding currently available to support air services is that devoted to our two remaining PSO routes, namely Donegal/Dublin and Kerry/Dublin.
However, I pointed out that the daa has a Short Haul Route Support Scheme which may be applicable to the proposed new Derry/Dublin route and I suggested that the prospective air carrier, Citywings, should discuss the potential for support from this source with the daa. I also suggested, however, that Citywings should check with the UK authorities as to whether any additional supports for this route could impact on the level of support from the UK's Connectivity Fund.
639. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied with the manner of Sports Ireland's engagement with the Information Commissioner in a case (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44158/15]
View answerThe case mentioned by the Deputy relates to an FOI request made to the then National Sports Campus Development Authority, now Sport Ireland, which is a body under the aegis of my Department. Sport Ireland, and previously the National Sports Campus Development Authority, is a public body for the purposes of the Freedom of Information Act and is responsible for the processing of FOI requests relating to the body, including any necessary engagement with the Information Commissioner. I have no role in that process. As the Deputy is aware, the case is the subject of a recent decision by the Information Commissioner. I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct response on this matter. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
640. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to upgrade the Dublin to Westport rail service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44207/15]
View answerThe issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
641. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the arrangements in place for persons with literacy issues and difficulties who wish to make complaints to the Taxi Regulator, and he will allow persons to submit complaints orally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44210/15]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle industry is the responsibility of the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
I have therefore referred your question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
642. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of subvention provided to Córas Iompair Éireann, Luas and other companies providing public transport in each of the years from 2007 to date, in tabular form, and the estimated subvention for 2016. [44211/15]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, Exchequer subvention is provided in respect of Public Service Obligation (PSO) public transport services. The Luas does not receive any such subvention funding.
Since 2010, the award of PSO contracts and disbursement of subvention funding falls under the independent statutory remit of the National Transport Authority (NTA) which has direct responsibility for this area. Prior to that, the Department directly provided the allocated subvention to the transport operators.
Regarding the subvention for 2016 to CIÉ the figure is €236.6m. This is a 13% increase on the 2015 figure. The NTA is currently finalising the allocations for each individual company.
The total PSO subvention provided to transport operators by both this Department and the NTA (since 2010) in the years 2007 to 2015 is as follows:
Schedule of Exchequer Subvention to CIÉ: 2007 to 2015
|
Year |
Iarnród Éireann €000 |
Bus Éireann €000 |
Bus Átha Cliath €000 |
Other Operators €000 |
TOTAL €000 |
|
2007 |
189,910 |
36,595 |
80,078 |
- |
306,583 |
|
2008 |
181,152 |
41,846 |
85,629 |
- |
308,627 |
|
2009 |
170,624 |
49,365 |
83,199 |
- |
303,188 |
|
2010 |
155,137 |
45,039 |
75,682 |
- |
275,858 |
|
2011 |
148,689 |
43,410 |
73,042 |
- |
265,141 |
|
2012 |
166,412 |
36,882 |
74,766 |
- |
278,060 |
|
2013 |
126,888 |
34,476 |
64,902 |
27 |
226,293 |
|
2014 |
117,409* |
34,399 |
60,054 |
174 |
212,036 |
|
2015 |
117,409** |
31,899 |
60,054 |
228 |
209,590 |
*Included in this amount is €10.66m paid to Iarnród Éireann under the Infrastructure Manager Multi Annual Contract (IMMAC).
** Included in this amount is €19.17m paid to Iarnród Éireann under the Infrastructure Manager Multi Annual Contract (IMMAC).
643. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide grant support through the sports capital grant programme or, following the closure of the local authority swimming pool programme, if he will relocate those funds to allow for the immediate upgrade of the University of Limerick arena facility in County Limerick, therefore ensuring the future of the sport of swimming and aquatics in Munster and Connacht. [44237/15]
View answerThe works referred to by the Deputy are not funded under the Sports Capital Programme, and, as the Deputy has mentioned, the Local Authority Swimming Pools Programme is not open for applications. I would also advise the Deputy that while I have received a number of representations on behalf of the University of Limerick swimming pool, the University of Limerick has not expressed any concern about this matter to me. Sport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the promotion, development and co-ordination of sport. Sport Ireland provides an annual subsidy to the University of Limerick for the operation of the 50 metre pool. I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct response on this matter. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
644. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of plans to build a bridge linking north County Louth and south County Down at Narrow Water, the steps he has taken to progress this, the estimated cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44246/15]
View answerAs outlined in the 'A Fresh Start - Stormont Agreement and Implementation Plan', the Government remains committed to the concept of the Narrow Water Bridge. Under the Agreement, the Northern Ireland Executive and the Government have agreed to undertake a review of the project with a view to identifying options for its future development, for consideration by the North South Ministerial Council in June 2016.
645. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the Blackburn Bridge project located on the N15 road route approximately 1 km south of Ballybofey in County Donegal, the road safety measures in place to ensure that road users are adequately protected during the completion of phase 1, when phase 2 will proceed to construction, if he is aware of the need to expedite this project in order to enhance road safety along this road section; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44247/15]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects, including the N15 is a matter for the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (formerly known as the NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
646. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address road safety issues on the N56 national secondary route, if he is aware of the high frequency of road traffic incidents that have occurred along the section of road way between the towns of Termon and Creeslough in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44248/15]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects, such as the N56 is a matter for the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (formerly known as the NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for TII in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question regarding the N56 to TII for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
647. Deputy Helen McEntee asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the context of the commemorative projects in 2016 that will reflect on the lives and deaths of 3,500 Irish soldiers who died in combat at the Somme in northern France in 1916, if the industrial-scale slaughter at the Battle of the Somme demonstrates the vital need for institutions that facilitate and strengthen peace and unity in Europe, if her planned commemorations for 1916 will account for this sad lesson of history; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43508/15]
View answerSince its inception in 2012, the Decade of Centenaries has been engaged in delivering a balanced chronological commemorative programme with selected focused events in each year. There is a commitment to marking each milestone in a way that is inclusive, tolerant and respectful, and the events and activities undertaken have been aimed at fostering such an approach in conjunction with the various partners involved in these projects
The Government has recently published a programme for next year to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Somme in 1916, which it regards as an important event to be marked both in Ireland and at the Somme.
The programme includes 4 strands:
- Ceremonial;
- Historical and Educational Reflection;
- Cultural; and
- Community Participation.
It is important that each generation has that opportunity to become aware of the past and the ways in which history can shape our present and influence our future. It is my hope that the commemorative events and activities being planned for 2016 at home and in Europe will go some way to achieving this and that the range of planned activities, including exhibitions, discussions, cultural activities and youth engagement, will help new generations explore the impacts and implications of the catastrophic events at the Battle of the Somme.
648. Deputy Helen McEntee asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the impact of archaeological and heritage policy on the ambitions of the community that is deemed to be in the buffer zone of a significant heritage site (details supplied) in County Meath, if local families share custody of that heritage and archaeological legacy with the wider nation, if that policy should take account of the views of local communities and natural justice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43509/15]
View answerA new Management Plan for the site referred to by the Deputy is currently being finalised by my Department. This follows a public consultation process on the draft Plan. All submissions received will be taken into account before the Plan is advanced to a stage where it is ready for submission to the relevant authorities for approval. The new Management Plan will acknowledge the rights of local people and communities, who have actively participated in the successful conservation, preservation and promotion of the site with regard to sustainable socio-economic growth and development. It will also acknowledge the need for the Plan itself to assist communities to sustain and develop social cohesion and the local economy.
Actions envisaged for the new Plan in that context include:
- establishing a Community Forum to discuss issues relating to the site in general and to make observations on the implementation of the Plan;
- working with the local authorities to develop a guidance document which provides advice on siting and design in relation to residential and agricultural development within the area of the site;
- working with the local authorities to facilitate consultation with applicants regarding the siting and design of developments affecting the site and the scope of any necessary impact assessments;
- working with the local authorities and other relevant agencies to promote and encourage sustainable economic development in the area, particularly in tourism and agriculture.
In this way, the Plan will seek to meet, in a mutually supportive way, the provisions laid down by the relevant authorities for securing the management aims for sites of this nature, while, at the same time, ensuring that local communities and residents have an active and participative role.
I should emphasise that the main instrument for regulating and controlling physical planning within a county is the development plan which, under the Planning and Development Acts, must be renewed every 6 years, following approval by the elected members. The legislation provides for extensive consultation with the general public, who are offered the opportunity to make submissions or observations on draft development plans which must be considered by the planning authority. As set out above, the Management Plan will itself seek to create effective mechanisms to assist and facilitate local residents in their interactions with the planning system.
649. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the various initiatives identified in the recently launched historic houses action plan that will support the owners and custodians of historic houses in securing a sustainable future for their houses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43519/15]
View answerAs Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, I am aware of the growing risk to the sustainable future of the remaining stock of Irish Historic Houses in private ownership, where owners have consistently struggled, throughout the last century, to find sustainable alternative means of meeting the on-going costs of their maintenance. I have also recognised that these Houses are often a hugely important resource for local communities and a vital attraction for tourists, which can and do contribute significantly to the local economy. It is within this context that I had the Action Plan for Irish Historic Houses in Private Ownership developed and secured Government approval for it. I was very pleased, therefore, to subsequently launch the Action Plan on 30 November last.
The objective of the Action Plan is to assist historic houses in general with their on-going protection, management and promotion into the future. Specific actions include:
- working with the local authority to develop a more streamlined, partnership approach with the local economy;
- seeking to optimise the provision of existing supports and fiscal incentives; and
- seeking to develop new initiatives that might help to establish priorities by way of targeted support mechanisms.
650. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht why she has ceased negotiations on the purchase of Granard Motte, despite Longford County Council having made a significant contribution towards the purchase cost, and given the huge benefit of having a national monument in State ownership, if she will re-open negotiations with a view to bringing this to a satisfactory conclusion, even if this means going down the route of a compulsory purchase order; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43562/15]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 665 of 23 June 2015. Unfortunately, negotiations with the owner on behalf of my Department and Longford County Council had recently to be suspended in the absence of agreement on a purchase price for the monument, having regard to value for public money and the official valuation of the property.
I have, however, informed the Council that I would be happy for my Department to re-engage in further negotiations in the event of there being any indications that such discussions might have a prospect of success and that the Council should advise my Department accordingly.
651. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the launch of Raidio Teilifís Éireann's commemorative programme for 1916; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40010/15]
View answerThe RTÉ 2016 commemorative programme was launched on 4 November 2015. The programme is rich in culture, debate, drama and entertainment, will be accessible across all media platforms, and will include television documentaries, drama series and radio programmes. The programme will be accessible online and on mobile devices, thereby ensuring availability to people both in Ireland but also worldwide. I understand that a diverse range of topics will be explored and investigated, including:
- The story of the Children of the Revolution, regarding the stories of the children who were killed during the events of 1916;
- A four-part Irish language programme covering a range of stories, including those of Roger Casement and the Abbey actor and idealist, Arthur Shields;
- A major drama entitled Rebellion, which will follow the events of 1916 through the eyes of three young women, giving different perspectives on the events of that time; and
- A four-part series entitled Ireland Rising, which is currently airing on Sunday evenings.
RTÉ is also working with the Ireland 2016 Project Team in my Department to produce a large-scale public event to be held on Easter Monday 2016. This will be a multi-locational public event, allowing people to watch and participate in Ireland and across the globe.
652. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of meetings requested by private external lobby groups and the number of meetings held, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43593/15]
View answerThe Regulation of Lobbying Act was commenced in September 2015. In furtherance of the requirements of the Act and associated regulations, my Department's website (www.ahg.gov.ie) carries details of my Department's Designated Public Officials. This facilitates registered lobbyists in fulfilling their statutory obligation to report communications made with the relevant persons which fall with the scope of the Act. Lobbyists have been required to record communications with Designated Public Officials in relation to matters covered by the Act since 1 September 2015. Lobbyists are required to make a return in relation to such communications which took place between the aforementioned date and 31 December 2015 to the Standards in Public Office Commission by 16 January 2016.
The statutory mechanisms governing lobbying set out clearly the relevant people and bodies covered by the legislation as well as the nature of the communications which constitute lobbying. As these statutory mechanisms are now operational, I do not propose to pre-empt the deadlines established by the legislation. In the meantime, the Deputy may wish to note that my diary of appointments is published periodically on my Department's website.
653. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her Department's photography costs since she came into office, inclusive of costs incurred from use of the ministerial allowance by year in tabular form; the occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the costs associated with each occasion; the policy in place regarding the booking of photographers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43625/15]
View answerDetails of photography costs incurred by my Department since my appointment in July 2014 are set out in the following table. The hiring of photographers for Ministerial or Departmental events is dependent on a number of factors, including the nature of the engagement, the expected level of media interest and the national/regional scope of the subject. At all times, value for money is a critical consideration in the context of the booking of photographers.
2014
|
Occasion |
Photographer |
Cost |
|
Photocall with winner of Herald Archangel Edinburgh Festival 2014 |
Maxwell Photography |
€486 |
|
Launch of Ireland 2016 commemorative programme at G.P.O. |
Maxwell Photography |
€482 |
|
Photographs of Minister and two Ministers of State for official Departmental use |
Philip Fitzpatrick Photography |
€200 |
2015
|
Occasion |
Photographer |
Cost |
|
European Heritage Heads Forum 10th Anniversary Annual Meeting in Dublin Castle |
Con Brogan Photography |
€200 |
|
Launch of the High Island Monograph |
Con Brogan Photography |
€150 |
|
Visit to Cartoon Saloon in Kilkenny |
Dylan Vaughan Photography |
€271 |
|
Event to commemorate the funeral of O'Donovan Rossa, Glasnevin Cemetry |
Lensmen |
€554 |
|
Launch of Culture Ireland supported artists attending Edinburgh International Festivals |
Lensmen |
€258 |
|
Launch of Culture Ireland I AM IRELAND 2016 programme |
Maxwell Photography |
€503 |
|
John Redmond commemoration |
Maxwell Photography |
€138 |
|
Launch of Ireland 2016 Commemorative Programme |
Maxwell Photography |
€861 |
|
10th Anniversary of Culture Ireland |
Maxwell Photography |
€103 |
|
Dublin launch of Venice Artist Biennale 2015 |
Maxwell Photography |
€637 |
|
Moore Street – meeting with Lord Mayor and traders |
Maxwell Photography |
€362 |
|
Photography for WhoDoesWhat Website |
Maxwell Photography |
€327 |
|
Annual Famine Commemoration and related events |
Paul Faith |
€781 |
|
Spanish Armada Find Sligo |
Picsell8 Ltd |
€450 |
|
Teach an Phiarsaigh Cultural and Exhibition centre, Rosmuc, Connemara/ Global and Diaspora Programme (2 separate events) |
Reg Gordon |
€960 |
|
First Flags for School delivery/ Launch of the Community Participation Strand (2 separate events) |
Reg Gordon |
€960 |
|
Photography for WhoDoesWhat Website |
Tain Bo Media Teo |
€148 |
654. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her Department's use of external public relations firms since she came into office by year in tabular form; the uses of these firms and the policy regarding employing them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43641/15]
View answerNo external public relations firms have been employed by my Department since my appointment in July 2014. The engagement of external groups for the provision of specialised services, including public relations firms, is dependent on a number of factors, including the expertise and resources available within my Department. In that context, value for money is at all times a critical consideration.
655. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reports she commissioned from external consultants since March 2011, by year, title, cost, date published and company in tabular form. [43657/15]
View answerThe details requested by the Deputy in respect of the nine reports commissioned by my Department since its establishment in June 2011 are set out in the following table. The "Review of PSO Air Service for the Aran Islands" was published in May 2014. The "Updated Business Case for Restoring the Ulster Canal from Lough Erne to Clones" and the "Cost Benefit Analysis of the National Gallery Redevelopment Project" are published on the Department's website. The remaining reports have not been published.
For completeness, I wish to bring to the Deputy's attention that the University of Birmingham was commissioned in 2010 by the then Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, prior to the establishment of my Department, to undertake a review relating to peatlands. The resulting report, "Review of Archaeological Survey and Mitigation Policy relating to Bord na Móna Peatlands" was published in June 2013 and the associated costs of €34,337 were met by my Department.
I also wish to point out that my Department also commissions engineering or environmental experts from time to time to provide technical reports on specific issues, as required. While the providers of these services are consultant engineers, environmental consultants or may describe themselves in other such terms, their work is not classified as consultancy services and is not funded from my Department's Administrative Budget.
|
Commissioned |
Company |
Title of Report |
Cost |
|
2011 |
Avia Solutions |
Review of financial submissions relating to the Public Service Obligation Air Service for the Aran Islands |
€6,300 |
|
2012 |
Bonnar Keenlyside |
Review of Dublin Contemporary 2011 |
€10,959 |
|
2013 |
Dorgan Associates |
Cost Benefit Analysis of National Archives Development Plan |
€12,669 |
|
2013 |
Dorgan Associates |
Cost Benefit Analysis of National Gallery Redevelopment Project |
€12,731 |
|
2013/2014 |
Dorgan Associates |
Examination of capital incentives to promote investment in film studio infrastructure |
€ 6,765 |
|
2014 |
EY |
Review of PSO Air Service for the Aran Islands |
€41,795 |
|
2014 |
Fitzpatrick Assocs |
Updated Business Case Restoring the Ulster Canal from Lough Erne to Clones |
€15,191 |
|
2014 |
The VAT Practice |
Advisory service on UK VAT |
€ 919 |
|
2015 |
Public Affairs Ireland (PAI) |
Review of Management Structure and Grading of Senior Management Posts within Údarás na Gaeltachta |
€ 9,717 |
656. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of special advisers on her staff and their yearly salaries from 2011 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43673/15]
View answerI was appointed Minster for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht on 11 July 2014. Two special advisers were appointed on 23 July 2014 and 18 August 2014 respectively. They were appointed on the first point of the Principal Officer scale and have advanced to the second point on 23 July 2015 and 18 August 2015 respectively.
657. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on the low earnings of those in the arts sector and that they do not have recourse to collective bargaining; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43787/15]
View answerI have no statutory function in the matter of collective bargaining, which I understand comes within the ambit of the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.
658. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a designated Famine commemoration day is merited given the scale of the tragedy itself and its effect on Ireland and the world, if and when she will make a definite decision on this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43788/15]
View answerAs Chair of the National Famine Commemoration Committee, I am responsible for ensuring that appropriate arrangements are in place to commemorate the Great Irish Famine. In carrying out these functions, my main focus is to ensure that the victims of the Irish Famine are respectfully and appropriately remembered. In that context, I also seek to raise awareness of current food security issues worldwide. While the Commemoration ceremony retains a degree of continuity in its format, the date and the cultural elements of the commemoration may change from year to year. In some previous years it has proved possible to hold the annual commemoration ceremony on the second Sunday in May and I am aware that some people are of the view that the annual National Famine Commemoration should be held on the same designated day each year.
However, I do not consider it desirable to fix the same date each year, given the factors that may need to be considered, such as the site selection process, the availability of the lead person to officiate at the ceremony and the general arrangements at community level.
For example in 2015, due to organisational imperatives arising as a result of the staging of the event for the first time in Northern Ireland, the commemoration ceremony was held in Newry in September and proved to be a great success with significant cross-community representation. Similarly in 2016, due to the number of events relating to the centenary of the Easter Rising scheduled to take place in March, April and May of next year, it is likely that the famine commemoration ceremony will take place later in the year.
I am satisfied that the retention of such flexibility does not detract from the key aim of the annual commemoration, which is to have a fitting national ceremony to remember and show respect for all those who died or suffered loss during the Great Famine.
In fact, this flexibility facilitates the commemoration being held in the most appropriate context each year. In the circumstances, I have no plans to designate a fixed date for the national Famine Commemoration.
