Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 September 2017
118. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will discuss with the management of the National Museum in Collins Barracks the erection of an exhibition commemorating An Gorta Mór with a selection of relevant artefacts presently in storage, detailing the famine and consequences of it and the National Famine Commemoration Day; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40530/17]
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 and also to raise awareness of current food security issues worldwide. This year’s National Famine Commemoration will take place on Saturday 30 September next at the Ballingarry Warhouse 1848 in County Tipperary.
Decisions in relation to the curation and presentation of exhibitions at its various locations permanent, are a matter for the National Museum. I would also remind the Deputy that there are many local museums and other entities around the country that display material relating to this period in our nation's history, such as the very significant Irish National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park, County Roscommon.
