Speech by the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys TD
Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Ministers and distinguished guests.
Is mór agam a bheith anseo anocht san ionad stairiúil seo.
I am delighted to be here this evening in the historic GPO at the launch of “Ireland 2016”, our vision for honouring and remembering those who took part in the 1916 Rising, reflecting on the legacy of that period and looking towards our future.
When the Taoiseach appointed me to the position of Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in July, he gave me responsibility to lead the 1916 Commemorations.
I was delighted to be given the challenge, and as a member of the Oireachtas All-Party Consultation Group on the Commemorations, I have listened to many views over the past three years on what form our commemorations should take.
The events of 1916 are viewed and understood in many different ways across Ireland.
I want to build on the understanding of the history of that period and ensure that the Rising is marked in a way that is inclusive, respectful and appropriate.
An inclusive approach acknowledges all of the identities and traditions that form part of our historical experience.
It also facilitates open dialogue, increases our understanding, and builds further reconciliation on the Island of Ireland.
Decade of Centenaries
We have, of course, been engaged in major commemorative events for the last two years, as part of the Decade of Centenaries.
The period from 1912 to 1922 was one of the most eventful in Ireland’s history.
And globally it was a decade of massive upheaval.
Here, from the campaign for Home Rule, the Lockout, through World War 1 and the Easter Rising of 1916 to the foundation of the Free State, this was a decade of turmoil and great change.
The Decade of Centenaries programme commemorates each event as it happened; and recognises the fact that 100 years ago each event impacted directly on the next.
In recent months, I have attended a series of commemorations to mark the outbreak of World War 1 and remember the many thousands of Irish men and women who fought and lost their lives.
Just yesterday I was joined by Minister Arlene Foster, MLA, and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Dr Andrew Murrison, MP, at St Ann’s Church, Dawson Street, to mark Remembrance Day.
It is only right that we can come together with our British and Northern counterparts to remember our forbearers of differing traditions, but from the same island, who fought side by side on a lonely foreign battlefield.
Human Dimension
One of the most powerful ways for us to reflect and respect the events of 100 years ago is through individual stories of human endeavour.
These give us an insight into what it must have been like for the men and women who made such incredibly brave choices and who suffered huge loss 100 years ago.
I want to hear the stories of mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, son and daughters – and I want to see those stories shared.
These accounts of personal sacrifice and enduring determination give us a greater understanding of the immense impact these events had on individuals and on families.
Their sacrifice founded our nation.
The collection of 1916 stories illustrates the complexity of our past and why we to need reflect on, and have a better understanding of our history – and so build a greater hope for our future.
Role of Women
It’s a particular pleasure for me to pay tribute to the often overlooked role that women played in the events that shaped Ireland 100 years ago.
The formation of Cumann na mBan was an absolutely vital step in the empowerment, both politically and socially, of women in Ireland.
Indeed, in 1918 one of the volunteers who fought in the rising Countess Markievicz became the first female to be elected as a member of parliament changing the face of politics for democracies across Europe.
I will ensure that women’s participation in the Rising will continue to be fully acknowledged as we lead up to 2016.
Permanent Tribute to 1916
A great deal of planning and work has taken place over the past number of months to ensure that the 2016 commemorations have a lasting legacy
Earlier this year, the Government allocated €22 million for 2015 for seven flagship commemorative projects to be finalised in time for Easter 2016.
In that respect, I want to pay tribute to my predecessor, Minister Jimmy Deenihan.
You can see around the room all of the projects currently underway.
This includes the building of an Interpretative Centre here at the GPO. This building is of course the chief witness to our history.
Each of these projects will deepen our understanding of the history of that period and provide an enduring and permanent tribute to those involved in the Rising, and together they will open up our history.
State Events
As well as our permanent reminders, we have tonight published a programme of official State events to be held over Easter 2016.
These events will honour those who took part in the Rising in an appropriate and respectful manner.
Ireland 2016
Tonight, of course, we are here to launch “Ireland 2016”, a national initiative led by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, which will develop, coordinate and deliver a programme of activity to mark the 100th anniversary of 1916.
The programme will be underpinned by the €4 million approved in the recent Budget, which will be used to roll out an integrated plan during 2015.
Community involvement will be key and this framework being launched tonight will facilitate that engagement.
I have set up a new 2016 Project Office in my Department.
Over the coming three months, this team will actively engage with communities, schools, relatives groups, colleges, businesses, voluntary organisations, arts and culture institutions, historical societies and with local government.
A series of meetings will be held in every county across the country, to facilitate ground up initiatives so that local communities can get involved and put their own shape on the commemorations as we move towards 2016.
This work is already underway – earlier today I met with City and County Managers, to outline how I believe we can work together to make this a truly national initiative.
Our National Cultural Institutions will also play a key role in the Commemorations.
A rich and vibrant culture programme, with an international dimension, will be finalised in co-operation with the National Cultural Institutions, the Arts Council of Ireland and Culture Ireland and I look forward to working with you.
I want relatives to play a central role in a number of key State events, and I am very keen to listen to your views, and I look forward to working with you also.
The flames of history and heritage can be dampened with the passing of time.
The stories of heroic efforts need to be passed from generation to generation with pride and wonder.
I want children and young people to be at the centre of how we mark 2016.
For that reason I will be working with my colleague, the Minister for Education, Jan O’Sullivan TD, to develop arts programmes in our schools.
We will build on the links developed during the Gathering to reach out to local communities and the Diaspora.
Last week, I travelled to New Orleans for the 2014 International Famine Commemoration.
I was completely overwhelmed by the strength of the Irish community there, and their deep sense of pride about where they come from.
Their sense of Irish identity is powerful.
I spoke to many people while I was there about our commemorations here at home.
They want to take part, and I am determined to reach out to New Orleans and other Irish communities across the globe, so they can play their part in Ireland 2016.
My Department will work with our Embassy network and through Culture Ireland to present Ireland 2016 to the world.
Conclusion
I would like to take the opportunity to thank the Expert Advisory Group, chaired by Maurice Manning, and my colleagues on the Oireachtas All Party Consultation Group for your work, guidance and support.
I look forward to continuing to work with all of you to ensure we have a meaningful, balanced and informed commemoration.
At every level of our society, we can make 2016 a wonderful, inspirational time – a time when we build new friendships, infuse our communities with a renewed spirit of creativity, deepen our understanding of difference and begin to build a better future for our children.
I want to hear from communities across the country, to hear your views and your ideas.
Together we can remember, reconcile, imagine, present and celebrate.
This is my call to action to make 2016 a year of remembrance, imagination and inspiration.
A key figure in the 1916 Rising said “That valiant effort and the martyrdoms that followed it finally awoke the sleeping spirit of Ireland.”
Go raibh míle maith agaibh.
ENDS
