I am happy to announce my appointment onto the All-Party Consultation Group on Commemorations by Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin TD to help mark significant events throughout the remainder of the Decade of Commemorations.It is an honour for me to be appointed. I chaired the inaugural Kildare committee of decade of commemorations. This is a sensitive era we are entering into and we must ensure dignity, respect is maintained at all times.The Decade of Centenaries encompasses the different traditions on the island of Ireland and the initiative provides opportunities to focus on the everyday experience of ordinary people living in extraordinary times, as well as on the leaders and key actors in these events. It also aims to offer fresh insights and constructive dialogue, and to foster deeper mutual understanding among people from the different traditions. The aim of the State centenary commemoration programme for the years from 2021 – 2023 is to ensure that this complex period in history, including the Struggle for Independence, the Civil War, the Foundation of the State and Partition, is remembered appropriately, proportionately, respectfully and with sensitivityThe Decade of Centenaries further provides an opportunity to focus on the development of access to historical records and primary sources from the time period, and for working with local and national cultural bodies to bring forward a diversity of exhibitions and public discussions.
