Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 March 2010
494 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has plans to celebrate the bicentenary of the independence of Argentina in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12208/10]
Amharc ar fhreagra2010 marks the Bicentenary of the independence of Argentina. Given the long-standing and close bilateral ties which characterise relations between Ireland and Argentina, a wide ranging programme is being put in place to mark this significant anniversary in Argentina's history.
The Irish Embassy in Buenos Aires launched its commemorative programme of Argentina's Bicentenary during the highly successful visit of the GAA Hurling All Stars to Buenos Aires in December 2009. Hurling, which was played by Irish immigrants to Argentina up to the late 1930s, and the visit by the GAA All Stars provided the nexus around which to celebrate the contribution of the Irish to Argentine agriculture, education and civic life as well as to reinforce the hurling connection.
A highlight of Ireland's contribution to the celebration of the Bicentenary in Argentina will be the visit to Latin America in May/June the L.E. Niamh which will include a stopover in Argentina. This visit offers an excellent opportunity to highlight and strengthen relations with Argentina, where Foxford-born William Brown founded the Argentine Navy. The Embassy is actively planning a number of events in Buenos Aires during the visit in the context of the Bicentenary.
In recognition of the very important role Irish migrants have played in the history and development of Argentina over the last 200 years, a number of Embassy Buenos Aires 2010 cultural activities will focus on the theme of migration. This will include collaborating with the Southern Cross Newspaper, which celebrates its 135th anniversary this year, to present a special edition looking back at the history of the Irish-Argentine community over the last 200 years and sponsoring Irish community participation in Immigrant Day celebrations in September.
In addition, with the assistance of the Cultural Section of the Department, the Embassy has programmed a number of other cultural events in Argentina this year as part of the centenary celebrations including Irish participation in the Buenos Aires International Festival of Literature and the Chopiniana music festival.
