Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 September 2020
643. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Social Protection if consideration will be given among other possible memorial and commemorative to ideas that might emerge to naming the August Bank Holiday Monday John Hume day to mark his contribution to peace in Ireland (details supplied). [21427/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Social Protection I have no statutory remit to name or rename a public holiday in order to memorialise or commemorate a well-respected person such as John Hume.
I currently hold responsibility for the Organisation of Working Time Act, which provides, amongst other matters, for the prescribing of certain days as public holidays. At present, there are nine public holidays listed under the Act. These are Christmas Day, St. Stephen’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter Monday, the first Monday in May, the first Monday in June, the first Monday in August, the last Monday in October, and the first day of January. There is, however, no specific provision in the Act in relation to the naming or renaming of public holidays.
It seems to me that it would be more appropriate for such a decision to be made as a whole of Government initiative following, perhaps, a communications campaign to raise awareness among the general public. The Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht, as well as An Taoiseach, would be likely to have a greater role in such an initiative, if one were to be pursued. I will bring the Deputy’s suggestion to their attention.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
