Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 January 2019
70. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans for War of Independence and Civil War commemorations in County Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1546/19]
View answerAs we approach the most challenging and sensitive phase of the Decade of Centenaries, the Government will continue to be advised and supported in its commemoration plans by the guidance of the Expert Advisory Group on Centenary Commemorations, and consultation with the All-Party Consultation Group on Commemorations.
One of the cornerstones of the State's approach to commemorations over the coming years will be to continue to further reconciliation on the island of Ireland and between Ireland and Britain.
I am committed to ensuring that the State's approach to remembering this very complex period in our history, and all of those who lost their lives during those years, will be based on the respectful, sensitive, appropriate and authentic approach that has become the hallmark of the Decade of Centenaries commemorative programme.
I expect that local authorities will continue to have a key role in supporting engagement and facilitation in local communities and in developing appropriate commemorative initiatives as part of the Decade of Centenaries. This is particularly important, given the significance of and the need to be sensitive to the local historical context. It is also in line with the principles expressed by the Expert Advisory Group in their Second Statement.
I approved a funding allocation of €5,000 for each local authority in 2018 under the Decade of Centenaries programme. This funding was provided to support local authorities in responding to the themes of the State commemorative programme for 2018; and in developing inclusive, appropriate and citizen focused initiatives, to encourage people of all ages to explore significant aspects of the political, historical, social and cultural context of that period. Funding allocations for local authorities including Wexford County Council in 2019 are currently under consideration and I expect to make an announcement in this regard shortly.
