Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 November 2015
223. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which personalities such as Francis Sheehy-Skeffington are likely to be remembered in the context of the 1916 commemorations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39953/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme, which was launched on 31st March 2015, will include a rich diversity of programmes and events, complementary and additional to formal State occasions, running throughout 2016 to commemorate the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising. The 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. I am committed, together with my Government colleagues, to ensuring that, as we commemorate those who fought and those who died in 1916, we also acknowledge the many civilians and non-combatants who lost their lives, including figures such as Francis Sheehy-Skeffington. An Interfaith Service will be held on 3rd April in Glasnevin Cemetery, where all those who lost their lives during the Rising, including civilian dead will be remembered.
Under the 'Community Participation' strand of the programme, the 31 local authorities have recently published their plans for a suitable programme of events and initiatives to take place at a county level following an extensive public consultation process. It is envisaged that many local authorities will be hosting specific events and developing initiatives dedicated to commemorating all those who lost their lives, including civilians and children.
