Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 October 2018
83. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when it is planned to re-establish the Oireachtas all-party consultation group on commemorations the decade of centenaries 2012 to 2022, particularly in light of the imminent commemoration of the founding of the First Dáil; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39409/18]
View answerI have now re-established the All-Party Consultation Committee on Commemorations and the first meeting will take place on Thursday this week. I will chair the committee which is made up of members of the Oireachtas and the Northern Ireland Assembly. I look forward to engaged and constructive meetings of the Group to explore and address appropriate commemoration of the events and milestones in the period covered by the next phase of the Decade of Centenaries - 2019 to 2023.
The centenary of the convening of the first meeting of Dáil Éireann on 21 January 1919 is being organised by the Houses of the Oireachtas but will, I understand, have formal roles for the President and Taoiseach in their roles as Head of State and Head of Government. This will be a formal ceremonial event which emphasises the enduring parliamentary tradition and continuing renewal of the democratic legacy.
The Government's approach to the remembrance of the significant historical events and themes of the period from 1919 to 1923 will also be informed by the guidance of the Expert Advisory Group on Centenary Commemorations, chaired by Dr Maurice Manning, who will also attend the meeting on Thursday. I am currently considering the recommendations of this Group in relation to the approach to the commemorative programme and I will shortly bring proposals to Government in this regard.
The State's approach will continue to encourage reflection about the multiple identities, traditions and perspectives that are part of the overall Irish historical experience. We will ensure that this very complex period in our history is remembered appropriately, proportionally and with sensitivity.
One of the cornerstones of the State's approach to commemorations over the coming years will be to further reconciliation on the island of Ireland and between Ireland and Britain; to take account of sensitivities across communities in Northern Ireland; and to continue to recognise that very different perspectives exist on many of the events that took place.
I envisage that local authorities, our national cultural institutions, institutions of learning, and custodians of records, together with artists and creative communities, will continue to have a leading role in encouraging and supporting meaningful, respectful and authentic engagement over the remainder of the Decade.
