asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action, if any, proposed to be taken to mark the Australian bi-centenary in 1988; the range of events which will be organised and to which direct or indirect State support will be extended; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Australian Bi-centenary.
14.
The Irish-Australian Bi-centennial Committee (IABC), of which I am chairman, has drawn up a programme of official projects to mark the Australian bi-centenary and has also been active in promoting and co-ordinating national bi-centenary activities generally.
The programme will shortly be published in booklet form and copies will be placed in the Dáil Library.
In the meantime, I would like in particular to mention three projects, which are being officially funded and which will give a good indication of the range and content of the programme:
—The principal bi-centennial gift from Ireland will be a microfilm copy of the transportation convict documents; these relate to the transportation of more than thirty thousand (30,000) convicted prisoners to Australia in the period 1788-1856.
—A major exhibition of Irish gold and silver treasures will be mounted in at least four of Australia's main cities;
—The sail training vessel, Asgard the Second, will participate in a tall ships race from Hobart to Sydney, culminating in a parade of sail in Sydney Harbour on Australia Day, 26 January. The Asgard will also have a full cruise programme in Australia from 26 December to 7 April.