Sandra McLellan
Ceist:556. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the date and location of National Famine Memorial Day 2013. [57968/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 16 January 2013
Ceisteanna (556)
Freagraí scríofa
The National Famine Commemoration Committee agreed that the annual national commemoration should revolve between the four provinces of Ireland and, accordingly, this year's National Famine Commemoration will take place in Munster. As the Deputy may be aware, last year, a new process was introduced to determine the location of the 2013 National Famine Commemoration and future commemorations. The purpose of the new selection process is threefold:
- To generate public awareness and interest in the annual National Famine Commemoration;
- To increase the number of potential sites available to choose from each year; and
- To ensure that the selection process is as transparent and open as possible.
The selection process has now concluded and the National Famine Commemoration Committee has agreed that this year's National Famine Commemoration will take place in Kilrush, County Clare. I, together with the members of the National Famine Commemoration Committee and the organising team in my Department, am very much looking forward to working with Clare County Council, Kilrush Town Council and the local community over the coming months.
My Department is currently engaging with all of the relevant stakeholders and I can advise the Deputy that I expect to announce the date of this year's National Famine Commemoration very shortly.