Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe attended the National Commemoration for An Gorta Mór at Glasnevin Cemetery on Sunday 11 September.

Speaking ahead of the commemoration Deputy Crowe repeated his call for the commemoration to take place on a fixed Sunday every year instead of a date chosen each year to fit An Taoiseach’s and the Minister’s schedule.

Teachta Crowe said;

“The fact that we don’t have a fixed day for a fitting commemoration to those who perished in An Gorta Mór is a sad reflection on how the state view’s the Famine’s place in Irish history.

“In response to a parliamentary questions that I tabled just a few month’s ago Minister Heather Humphreys basically told me that the date for the National Commemoration is set each year at a time and date that suits both the Taoiseach and her own schedules.

“My view is that their schedules should be made to fit the National Commemoration.

“I believe that a fixed date, around which awareness can be built and set in the public consciousness, would benefit and  deliver immeasurable benefits for commemorating An Gorta Mór and educating younger generations about it’s importance and centrality in our collective story as developing nation.

“I am aware that there are many TDs that support the position that I have taken on this and I intend to raise it with the Minister once again.”

ENDS