merrion street

Jimmy Deenihan T.D., Minister of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht and Chair of the National Famine Committee has asked schools across Ireland to support the National Famine Memorial Day which will take place in Clones, Co. Monaghan on Saturday, 10^th September 2011 by holding a minute's silence on Friday, 9^th September 2011, as a mark of respect for those who died or suffered loss during the great Irish famine.

Students in primary and secondary schools across Ireland have been asked to pause at noon on Friday, 9^th September to reflect on the victims of the great Irish famine and to consider the effects of famine in a worldwide context.

Minister Deenihan commented: "I have written to all schools to ask them to take part in a minute's silence to reflect on the losses suffered as a result of the great Irish famine. Unfortunately famine is still a reality in some parts of the world and I hope that this gesture of respect will also serve to remind us of the plight of those suffering in Somalia and throughout East Africa.It is a testament to the Irish people that funding through Irish Aid allocated towards the relief effort in the Horn of Africa currently stands at some €9.1 million. In per capita terms, Ireland is one of the most committed and generous donors to the region. It is, therefore, vital that we as a nation use our own experience and empathy with those suffering the effects of famine to continue to highlight their plight".