Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 May 2022
301. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason that the National Famine Commemoration Day 2022 will not be open to the public (details supplied). [22579/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I have previously informed the House in my reply to Parliamentary Question No 164 of 4 May 2022, this year's National Famine Commemoration will be held at the National Famine Museum, Strokestown Park, County Roscommon on Sunday, 15 May. The museum will reopen shortly following major refurbishment supported by Fáilte Ireland’s Grants Scheme for Large Tourism Projects.
The Taoiseach, Micheál Martin T.D., will represent the Government at the ceremony which will be broadcast live on the RTÉ News channel.
As was the case in 2020 and 2021 this year's ceremony is not open to the general public. For 2022, this decision was taken in light of the COVID-19 restrictions that were in place when arrangements were being made for the ceremony. Also as noted above the museum itself has not yet reopened to the public and I am grateful to the Irish Heritage Trust and the Callery family for their cooperation in facilitating the holding of this year's ceremony at this historic location.
