Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Ireland 2016Centenary Programme, which was launched on 31^stMarch 2015, will include a rich diversity of programmes and events, complementary and additional to formal State occasions, running throughout 2016 to commemorate the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising. The programme will be an invitation to everyone on the island of Ireland and to the global Irish community to shape and engage in a diverse range of historical, cultural and artistic activities – all designed to facilitate reflection, commemoration, celebration, debate and analysis and an active imagining of our future.

I am committed, together with my Government colleagues, to ensuring that special recognition is given to the particular roles played by all participants, including Irish workers and Irish women around the country, in the events of the Rising.

At the centre of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme are the State ceremonial events, which represent the formal and solemn remembrance of the events of 1916 by the citizens of Ireland as the seminal event in our modern history and which focus on remembering and honouring those who took part in the Easter Rising and those who gave their lives.

I can advise the Deputy that two State ceremonial events are confirmed in the Ireland 2016Centenary Programme which commemorate the significant role of women and Irish workers in the Rising:

- A special State ceremonial event will take place on 8^thMarch 2016 – International Women's Day - to highlight the important role played by women in the Rising.

- On 29^thMarch 2016 a State ceremonial event will take place at Liberty Hall in collaboration with the trade union movement to commemorate the significant contribution of the Irish Citizen Army and James Connolly in the events of the 1916 Rising. My Department is working closely with the Trade Union movement in the development of this event.

Other events and initiatives are also being developed including a dedicated exhibition on the role of women in the Rising. A conference and a seminar have been confirmed which will be hosted by NUI Galway and DCU respectively and will explore the role of women in politics over the past 100 years since 1916.

Under the 'Community Participation' strand of the programme, the 31 local authorities are currently finalising their plans for a suitable programme of events and initiatives to take place at a county level following an extensive public consultation process. It is envisaged that many local authorities will be hosting specific events and developing initiatives dedicated to commemorating the significant role of women and Irish workers in the 1916 Rising.

Further information in relation to the various events, activities and initiatives taking place under each of the above strands can be found on the website, .