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Commemorative Events

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022

Tuesday, 26 July 2022

Ceisteanna (586)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

586. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the total expenditure, current and capital, on State and local commemorations; the way that the distribution of this funding is decided; and if she will provide a breakdown of funding by commemorative event or programme for the past ten years in tabular form. [41265/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy will be aware, my Department leads on coordination of the Decade of Centenaries Programme 2012-2023 and the response to his question has been prepared with reference to expenditure under that programme for the 10 years 2013-2022, I trust that this addresses the full scope of the Deputy's question.

Given the ten-year time span and the very extensive and diverse number of Decade of Centenaries programme initiatives, individual events, and stakeholders, it is not possible to provide the information in the detail sought. However, if the Deputy has specific queries relating to a particular initiative or grant, I will endeavour to provide him with information in that regard.

Total expenditure (both capital and current) for the period 2013 to date, as requested by the Deputy, is €60,000,177

In common with all Government Departments, details of annual expenditure are included in the annual Appropriation Accounts. The Deputy will note that current expenditure for 2013 & 2014 was not identified separately under the Appropriation Accounts for those years, but has been since 2015. All Capital expenditure under the Programme has been identified in the Appropriation Account since 2014.

The Government's approach to commemorations continues to be underpinned by the guidance of the Expert Advisory Group on Centenary Commemorations (EAG) and consultation with the All-Party Consultation Group on Commemorations.

One of the strengths of the programme is the spirit of collaboration and partnership with a rich diversity of stakeholders – including State partners, local authorities, national cultural institutions, institutions of learning, and artists. The Department’s role is to provide support and assistance when required, and many of the programme initiatives are led, organised and curated by individual partners. All proposals submitted to the Department are examined in line with the advice from the EAG (which is published on www.decadeofcentenaries.com) and the aims, objectives and themes of the Decade of Centenaries Programme to ensure that they are appropriate, provide value for money and have the ability to reach as many members of the public as possible and also contribute to our collective reflection and learning about this period of our history.

With regard to local commemorations, under the Community Strand of the Decade of Centenaries Programme, my Department provides funding, support and guidance to every local authority to support the curation of community-led commemorative programming. However, decisions regarding the inclusion of initiatives within a local authority’s Decade of Centenaries programme are wholly a matter for the individual local authorities. It is important to note that under the Programme, local authorities are recognised as being best placed to determine what’s appropriate for their local area, in light of local history and expertise and to make decisions concerning initiatives to be supported from their funding allocation.

I thank the Deputy for his considered, informed and constructive contributions to the All-Party Group throughout the Programme to date. Consultation with that Group and the advice and support of the Expert Advisory Group on Centenary Commemorations have been invaluable to the success of the Programme from the outset.

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