Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 March 2026
234. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Gnóthaí Eachtracha agus Trádála an bhfuil sí i gceist aici nó ag a Ambasáid san Astráil nó i SAM an eachtra dhána a chomóradh ina ndearna na Fíníní an long Catalpa a chur go hIarthar na hAstráile chun seisear ' Fíníní Míleata' a shaoradh óna bpríosúnacht i gCarcair Fremantle agus iad a thionlacan slán go Nua Eabhrac, SAM, 150 bliain ó shin in 1876. [17153/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAustralia and Ireland share close and long-standing connections, underpinned by strong people-to-people links. This year, we celebrate 80 years of diplomatic relations with Australia and our Missions have developed a programme of events to commemorate this important anniversary.
The Embassy in Canberra as well as the Consulates in Sydney and Melbourne have been engaging extensively with organisers of commemorative events on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the Catalpa rescue. The Embassy is in discussion with groups in Perth and wider Western Australia and there is close collaboration with the relevant local authorities on the events being planned. Our Ambassador to Australia will attend several of the planned commemorations in March / April this year.
The Embassy also intends to fund an event during the 150th anniversary, in collaboration with the authorities in Western Australia. Emigrant Support Programme funding has been provided to the Fenians Fremantle and Freedom Inc. group which will be running a number of events in Fremantle from 27-31 March, while the Australian Irish Heritage Association (AIHA) will also be hosting a commemoration at the Wild Geese Memorial in Rockingham on Easter Monday. Ireland’s Ambassador to Australia, Fiona Flood, will be taking part in a number of these events together with Western Australian government and local authority contacts. Minister of State Moran, during his upcoming Saint Patrick’s day visit to Australia, is also expected to visit the Catalpa memorial.
