Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 November 2015
16. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to ensure that children and young persons are involved in the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39547/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI, together with my Government colleagues, am committed to ensuring that the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme engages with children and young people to the greatest extent possible. The Ireland 2016 Project Team has been working with the Department of Education and Skills to ensure that the programme reaches every school in the country. The Education Programme was launched in September of this year and the response to date from educators and young people has been extremely positive and encouraging.
My Department has also been working with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs to support the engagement of children and young people outside of the formal education sector. Six consultations have taken place with children aged 8-12 and with young people aged 13-17 from around the country on the theme of 'Imagining Our Future'. The outcome of these consultations will be compiled in a report to be presented by children and young people to Ministers and decision-makers at a major young people's event next year.
Further details in relation to all of the events taking place under the Youth and Imagination strand of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme can be found on the website www.ireland.ie. As well as this comprehensive programme for schools, communities are also developing plans at local level for a whole range of events across the country and I hope that children and young people will also get involved in their local communities and take part in the various events.
