Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The biggest test of the potential of cultural tourism will be provided by The Gathering next year. Across the country communities in villages and towns are gearing up by organising different festivals that will all be based on culture. The test of our cultural product is whether we can attract more visitors. Many people will come for family or school reunions or for other reasons, but the cultural product available is different from what was available 30 years ago. The Senator will agree that the standard has improved because of work done by his organisation and the different schools of music, from primary to third level. There is a major movement. I was in the Senator's parish some time ago when I was very impressed by a young harper. It is now cool to play Irish music and there has been a great revival in the playing of the harp. We will put this to the test next year in seeing how many will come during The Gathering and if we can gain an extra 350,000 tourists. That will be a challenge, but we do have a great cultural offering.

As regards funding, I encourage people to look to the Leader programme under which there is more of a fund for heritage projects than in my Department. It provides vital funds, as does the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport through Fáilte Ireland. It offers product development funds for important cultural projects across the country. Apart from my Department - as Deputy Sandra McLellan points out, the funding for heritage projects has been cut drastically by 75% - there are other sources at which people should look in seeking funding for heritage and cultural projects.

We will launch the programme for the EU Presidency on 29 November and it would be great if committee members could attend. There will a huge regional aspect to the programme. Despite the financial constraints, it is a very good programme.

Senator Labhras Ó Murchú's idea is a very good one. Does he know if it has been tried in any other country?