Govt Critised Over Lack Of 1916 Rising Commemoration Plans

The government has been criticised for its failure to announce plans to commemorate the 1916 Rising.

Sinn Féin's Trevor Ó Clochartiagh made the criticism during a Dáil debate.

Senator Ó Clochartiagh called on Minister Humphries to "immediately inform the House of its plans."

"It is nothing short of a disgrace that the Government has yet to publish a programme of events to commemorate the centenary of 1916," Senator Ó Clochartiagh said.

Adding: "We are now well beyond what would be considered a reasonable timescale in terms of planning for an event of this scale and significance.

"Bórd Fáilte will not have adequate time to advertise events abroad and bring much needed tourist revenue into the capital.

"Community groups, NGO's, sporting organisations and others will not be able to plan ahead as to date no funding has been ring-fenced for 1916 specific events.

"Also no meetings have taken place between the Abbey Theatre, the key cultural institutions, and the government with regard to special centenary exhibitions, plays etc.

"Is the government going to piggy back on other national commemorations, just as it did in relation to the 1913 Lockout?

"The failure to take the centenary of 1916 seriously speaks volumes. The government parties would rather forget 1916 and its vision of a free Ireland with justice and equality at its core.

"This has yet to be achieved and is alien to their politics of austerity."

(MH)