Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 November 2015
222. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which her Department continues to co-ordinate the commemoration of 1916, with particular reference to the need to ensure inclusiveness, and reflecting the totality of Ireland's culture; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39952/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Ireland 2016 Centenary programme is an invitation to everyone on the island of Ireland and to the global Irish community to shape and engage in a diverse range of historical, cultural and artistic activities – all designed to facilitate reflection, commemoration, celebration, debate and analysis and an active imagining of our future. The five themes, which underpin the programme – Remembering; Reconciling, Presenting, Imagining, and Celebrating - are intended to give people scope to think about the events of 1916 and its legacy in a way that is personal and meaningful to each individual.
The programme reflects the complexity and diversity of our history and of Ireland today. As with all of the key events in this Decade of Centenaries, this inclusive approach gives people across the island of Ireland the opportunity to explore, reflect on and build greater understanding of and respect for the many intertwined traditions on this island. A number of elements of the programme will take place on an all-Island basis, including an all-island schools history competition, which was developed in partnership with the Department of Education in Northern Ireland, and will give schools the chance to explore any aspect of life or events in 1916. There are other initiatives such as drama and song competitions which will engage children on an all-island basis. It should also be noted that while the focus of the Ireland 2016 programme is on commemorating the events of one hundred years ago, this centenary is also a chance to celebrate all that has been achieved on the island of Ireland in the last one hundred years. A formal state event will be held to mark the journey of reconciliation from Easter 1916 to Easter 2016, and highlight the importance of the Good Friday Agreement in that regard. The significant role and influence of the diaspora on the events of one hundred years ago will be prominently acknowledged and we will also seek to celebrate the continued close ties with the vibrant diaspora we have today, as well as with Ireland’s many friends overseas.
