Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
127. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the plans the Government has to participate in the 25th anniversary of the official opening of the Island of Ireland Peace Park on 11 November 2023, in Messines, Belgium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27220/23]
View answerThe Island of Ireland Peace Park, which marks the involvement of soldiers from this island in the Battle of Messines, is an important symbol of reconciliation and remembrance. The Peace Park was officially opened on 11 November 1998 by then President of Ireland Mary McAleese together with the late Queen Elizabeth II, and King Albert II of Belgium.
The Mayor of Messines is taking the lead in organising an event to mark the 25th anniversary of the official opening of the Island of Ireland Peace Park, which was officially announced in a press conference on 7 June. The Embassy of Ireland to Belgium and the Northern Ireland Executive Office in Brussels are in regular contact with the Mayor and his staff in relation to planning this ceremony. While formal invitations have not yet been received, I anticipate that Government participation would be given every favourable consideration and the Embassy of Ireland to Belgium remains in contact with the organisers in this regard.
Throughout the Decade of Centenaries the Government has engaged with stakeholders across the island of Ireland and abroad in order to ensure the sensitive, inclusive, and respectful approach which has underpinned our successful commemoration of events to date. This will continue to be our approach to commemoration in the period ahead.
Our objective remains to recognise the differing perspectives on our shared history and seek to strengthen peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland, and between Britain and Ireland.
