Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 May 2014
121. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he or his Department officials have had any meetings to discuss the 1916 commemorations recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19930/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Oireachtas Working Group on Commemorations, which I chair, meets on a regular basis to discuss issues relating to the decade of centenaries, and the 1916 commemorations in particular. The most recent meeting of the Working Group took place on 29 April last. As has been previously outlined to the House, the commemorative programme is a comprehensive exploration of our history that keeps pace with the centenary timeline. I believe that this approach will provide an important contextual setting for the commemorations of the 1916 period.
Most initiatives to date this year related to key events leading towards the Easter Rising, to be complemented by commemorations in August and beyond marking the outbreak of World War 1. Events in 2014 in relation to 1916 activities adhering to this historic timeline include the following: 21 March: conference on the Curragh Mutiny organised by Trinity College at the Curragh. 2 April: commemoration of the founding of Cumann na mBan led by the President, with a wreath-laying ceremony in co-operation with the Defence Forces; a visit to prominent women's grave, including that of Nurse Elizabeth O'Farrell, who accompanied Pearse at the surrender. 3 April: unveiling of plaque at Wynn's Hotel to mark the inaugural meeting of Cumann na mBan. 4-5 April: conference organised by the Women’s History Association of Ireland at the National Museum in Collins Barracks. Issue of special commemorative postage stamp.
Options are being explored to partner with local communities and discussions are ongoing with the Department of Defence to mark the landing of arms at Howth and Kilcoole by the Irish Volunteers and the loss of life incident at Bachelor's Walk at end-July. Later in the year, the passing and suspension of the third Home Rule Bill will be marked and subsequently the position of John Redmond and the Irish Parliamentary Party on participation in the war will be addressed.
