Government opposed to Sinn Fein’s proposed Bill that would see a public holiday being introduced to commemorate the 1916 Easter Rising – TheLiberal.ie – Our News, Your Views

Government opposed to Sinn Fein’s proposed Bill that would see a public holiday being introduced to commemorate the 1916 Easter Rising




It has been widely reported that the Government are currently opposed to a proposal put forward by the Sinn Féin party that would see the exact date of the Easter Rising, April 24, being made a national public holiday.

The proposed idea which was submitted by Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh has seemingly hit the buffers with the current collation as they are set to reject the Bill before the Dáil this Friday afternoon. It is understood the new bill would officially make April 24, the actual date of the 1916 Easter Rising. The heavily contested bill also proposes to establish a Bord Lá na Poblachta which would annually promote, encourage, coordinate and fund a programme of events to commemorate the historic Rising.

Sin Fein’s new Bill apparently states: ‘The contribution made to the Irish nation by those who, during the centuries of occupation of Ireland by a foreign power, gave their lives and liberty to pursue the freedom of the Irish nation. The state board would also seek to raise awareness and promote dialogue and analysis of the ideals and aspirations contained in the 1916 Proclamation.’

Although it is highly unlikely that the proposed Bill will be introduced, as the Arts Minister Heather Humphreys has reportedly advised the government to oppose the bill this coming Friday. Ms Humphreys believes that the existing Easter Bank Holiday would provide an opportunity for a major public celebration.

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