Minister for Arts, Heritage & the Gaeltacht, Mr Jimmy Deenihan TD and The Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD have announced the nomination of an Advisory Group on Centenary Commemorations.
The group consists of historians and is to be chaired by Dr Maurice Manning (Chancellor of the National University of Ireland). Members of the group include: Dr Martin Mansergh; Professor Mary Daly; Dr Eamon Phoenix; Professor John A Murphy; Dr Leeann Lane; Professor Gearóid Ó Tuathaigh; Mr Francis Devine;Professor Eunan O’Halpin; Ms Sinead Mc Coole; and Professor Diarmuid Ferriter.
The group will prepare an overview statement to inform the development and delivery of the commemorative programme for the period 2012 to 2016. According to the Taoiseach, they will assist in the development of the “comprehensive and inclusive programme of commemorations that is appropriate on the Centenary anniversary of the defining period of our modern history”.
The arrangements for the inaugural events of the official commemorative programme are being prepared in consultation with this All Party Oireachtas group and will be announced shortly. The All Party Oireachtas group was expanded in January by the Government and now includes: Mr Dinny McGinley, TD; Minister of State at Department of Arts, Heritage & Gaeltacht; Ms Heather Humphries TD; Mr Michael Conaghan TD; Ms Anne Ferris TD; Senator Mary White; Senator Mark Daly; Mr Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD; Senator Kathryn Reilly; Ms Mary O’ Sullivan TD; Ms Catherine Murphy TD; and Senator Dr Martin McAleese. The Oireachtas group has met three times since January. It is also attended by Dr Maurice Manning and Dr Martin Mansergh to ensure co-ordination with the work of the Advisory Group.