Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 November 2016
371. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her plans regarding future commemorative events related to events 100 years ago falling during her term of office; and her plans to re-establish herself or instruct the Minister for State to re-establish the decade of centenaries all-party consultative committee and its related advisory committee. [36105/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government will continue to mark significant events throughout the Decade of Centenaries. This will be based on the inclusive, open and consultative approach that has worked so well this year. At all times, the Government has been supported in its plans by the guidance and advice of the Expert Advisory Group on Commemorations and the Oireachtas All-Party Consultation Group on Commemorations.
For example, next year, we will remember the battle of Messines. In 2018, we will mark the end of the First World War and the General Election of 1918 and then moving on to commemorate the First Dáil in January 2019. Commemorating the period of the War of Independence and the Civil War will present its own challenges. However, I strongly believe the same open and honest approach which we used for this year's successful commemorations, allowing all narratives to be heard, will ensure that we will be able to reflect appropriately on the all of the major historical events as they unfolded.
To this end, I can advise the Deputy that a number of new appointments have recently been made to the Expert Advisory Group on Commemorations and that Group is currently considering the issue of guidance around the approach to the second half of the Decade of Centenaries. I am currently considering the steps necessary to re-establish the Oireachtas All-Party Consultation Group on Commemorations.
