Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 September 2020
378. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht her plans for the Decade of Centenary State commemorations between 2021 and 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22284/20]
View answerAs we navigate through the most challenging and sensitive phase of the Decade of Centenaries, the Government's approach to commemorations will continue to be underpinned by the principles and guidance of the Expert Advisory Group on Centenary Commemorations; and in consultation with the All Party Consultation Group on Commemorations, which I will reconvene shortly. My Department is currently developing specific proposals and indicative plans for a co-ordinated, cross-governmental commemorative programme for the remainder of the Decade of Centenaries. The objectives of the commemorative programme for the forthcoming period (2021 – 2023), which includes the centenary of the Struggle for Independence, the Civil War, the Foundation of the State and Partition, will be:
- To focus on themes of remembrance and reconciliation and on the commemoration of all of those who suffered and lost their lives during this period;
- To encourage reflection about the multiple identities, traditions and perspectives that are part of the overall Irish historical experience.
- To respond with sensitivity to the local historical context, acknowledging that there was no uniform experience within counties or across the island of Ireland.
- To further reconciliation on the island of Ireland and between Ireland and Britain - a core element of reconciliation is acknowledgement of the legitimacy of all of the traditions on the island that draw their identity and collective memory from our shared history.
It is envisaged that the commemorative programme will comprise four thematic strands:
- A State Ceremonial Strand, which will comprise a limited number of symbolic acts of national commemoration focusing on themes of remembrance and reconciliation and on the commemoration of all those who lost their lives during this period.
- A Historical Exploration Strand, which will comprise a diverse range of activities, in collaboration with State partners and other stakeholders, designed to encourage authentic historical enquiry about this period and promote the use of primary archival sources. Initiatives will be developed in collaboration with State partners, National Cultural Institutions, institutions of learning, and other stakeholders. Historical accuracy, academic integrity and archival discovery will be key tenets of the commemorative programme for the forthcoming period.
- A Community Strand, which will involve a collaborative approach – similar to that adopted for the 1916 centenary commemorations - between the State, local authority network and community organisations, including appropriate cross-border initiatives. Local authorities will continue to have a leading role in supporting and driving community-led commemoration, augmented with appropriate State assistance and participation, which will be determined on a case by case basis.
- The Creative Imagination Strand, which will continue to encourage artistic and creative expression in remembrance of the significant historical events of the period from 1921 to 1923 and all of those who lost their lives. Artistic and creative endeavours will have an important role in encouraging reflection, exploration and debate, allowing people of all traditions to reflect on challenging and sensitive issues.
