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The Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan T.D., today (8 January) outlined how the Government plans to approach the development of an appropriate programme to remember the significant historical events and themes over the remainder of the Decade of Centenaries (2019 – 2023).
At its first cabinet meeting of the year last week, the Government noted the success of the Decade of Centenaries programme to date, particularly the commemorations to mark the centenaries of the 1916 Easter Rising, World War 1, and the introduction of voting rights for women and their right to stand in parliamentary elections. The Government also noted the proposed overall approach to commemorations over the remainder of the Decade of Centenaries (2019 - 2023). Minister Madigan has developed this approach having regard to the principles laid down in the Second Statement of the Expert Advisory Group on Centenary Commemorations which was published in October 2017 and also the most recent specific guidance from this Group, which it developed in 2018 following a public consultation process.
The objective of the State Commemorative Programme for the years from 2019 – 2023 is to ensure that this complex period in our history, including the Struggle for Independence, the Civil War, the Foundation of the State and Partition, is remembered appropriately, proportionately, respectfully and with sensitivity. It aims to promote a deeper understanding of the significant events that took place during this period and recognises that the shared historical experience of those years gave rise to very different narratives and memories. It will also take account of sensitivities across communities in Northern Ireland and continue to recognise that very different perspectives persist on many of these events.
This Programme will be based on a four strand approach comprising:
• A State Ceremonial Strand which will comprise a limited number of symbolic acts of national commemoration focusing on themes of remembrance and reconciliation and on the commemoration of all of those who lost their lives during this period.
• A Historical Strand which will comprise a diverse range of activities designed to encourage authentic historical enquiry about this period and promote the use of primary archival sources. Initiatives will be developed in collaboration with State partners, National Cultural Institutions, institutions of learning and other stakeholders.
• A Community Strand, which will involve a collaborative approach – similar to that adopted for the 1916 centenary commemorations - between the State, local authority network and community organisations, including in Northern Ireland where appropriate.
• The Creative Imagination Strand which will continue to encourage artistic and creative expression in remembrance of the significant historical events of the period from 1919 to 1923 and all of those who lost their lives.
The Minister will revert to the Government with further details, as plans are progressed.
Speaking today the Minister said: “I am committed to ensuring that the State's approach to remembering all of those who lost their lives during the Independence Struggle, and the significant events and themes associated with this period, will be based on the respectful, sensitive, proportionate and authentic approach that has become the hallmark of the Decade of Centenaries commemorative programme.
“In planning the various commemoration events the Government will continue to be advised and supported by the guidance of the Expert Advisory Group on Centenary Commemorations, chaired by Dr Maurice Manning and by the All Party Consultation Group on Commemorations which I have recently reconvened. I want to thank the Expert Advisory Group for its Guidance Report which I have published today.”
The Guidance from the Expert Advisory Group on Centenary Commemorations is available here.