Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020
1272. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the date the National Famine Commemoration Day 2021, due to take place in Buncrana, County Donegal, will be held on; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8681/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I have previously informed the House in May 2018 and in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 1399 of 20 May 2020, Parliamentary Question No. 3025 of 23 July 2019 and Parliamentary Question No. 2584 of 24 July 2018, the Government, on 1st May 2018, approved the designation of the third Sunday of May each year as the National Famine Commemoration Day, with the arrangements for the holding of the State commemoration on this day or the preceding Saturday to be decided each year following consultation with the relevant local authority and host community.
Arising from the COVID-19 outbreak, and the associated restrictions on public gatherings Buncrana's hosting of the ceremony was postponed until 2021 and alternative arrangements put in place for this year's commemoration. I was therefore pleased to represent the Government at a formal wreath laying ceremony in St. Stephen's Green, Dublin on Sunday 17th May. This ceremony was conducted in accordance with the current COVID-19 guidelines and was not open to the public.
Officials of my Department and Donegal County Council will resume preparations for the 2021 event later in the year. Further announcements in relation to the details of the arrangements for the National Famine Commemoration Day 2021 will be made in due course.
