Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
2854. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to introduce a fixed day each year to host the national Famine memorial day; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34489/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I informed the House on 3rd May last, the Government has approved the designation of the third Sunday of May each year as the national Famine commemoration day, with the arrangements for the holding a of State commemoration on this day or the preceding Saturday to be decided each year following consultation with the relevant local authority and host community.
As the Deputy will be aware, the 2018 National Famine Commemoration took place on 12th May in University College Cork in the presence of President Michael D Higgins. I am also pleased to confirm that the tenth 2018 International Famine Commemoration will take place in Melbourne, Australia in October. Officials of my Department are working with colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in preparing for this event.
