Commemorative Events

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 January 2013

Tuesday, 22 January 2013

Ceisteanna (415)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

415. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in view of the fact that the Republic declared on Easter Monday 1916 was declared by the Irish Republican Brotherhood, the plans he has to research and publish information, in the context of the Bureau of Military History, or otherwise, on the membership of the Irish Republican Brotherhood over the decade from the decision in August 1914 to stage a rising up to the dissolution of the IRB in March 1924; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3102/13]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

The priority commitment of official archives and institutions in relation to research and publication of records will be to enhance access for scholars and the public, rather than to commission research. This is being achieved through occasional new releases of material and the digitisation of collections for online access.

I am confident that historical research will be assisted by the increased use of records arising from ongoing digitisation projects, as well as the production of additional finding aids and outreach initiatives, including lectures for historical groups and universities.