Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputies for their positive remarks in respect of the St. Patrick's Day activities. It is very important that the very best opportunity be taken over that period by a range of Ministers. I cannot conceive of a similar type of opportunity available in any other country in the world. St. Patrick's Day is a huge international celebration and is an annual event. In recent times we have successfully turned it into an opportunity to showcase all that is best about Ireland.

Members will be aware that the day has long since gone when Ministers would avail of the opportunity merely to review a parade in a city that had a large Irish community. We now have assurances, on the part of a wide range of Departments, that their Minister will engage in opportunities from the trade, economic and cultural point of view . The one assurance I can give the committee is that each and every Minister and Minister of State who travels abroad will use the festival to the maximum. We will ensure that we have new markets, that we maintain existing markets, and that it is a festival that showcases everything good and positive about Ireland and what it means to be Irish.

Deputy Smith referred to trade agreements. He will be aware that the lead role in respect of trade agreement is taken at European Commission level.

The lead role in government is taken by my colleague, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, but members can rest assured that my Department works very closely with that Department. The human rights considerations raised by Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan and others in the past are very much to the fore in discussions with the Commission and Ireland takes a very strong and active stance in this regard. I will continue to keep the committee fully apprised of our engagement in that regard, but members will be aware that the lead role is taken by the Minister, Deputy Richard Bruton, and the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

Deputy Brendan Smith mentioned Atlantic corridor. Members will be aware that the Department has been funding this initiative since it was established 13 years ago. Last year €175,000 was given to the organisation and we believe the initiative is worthy of review at this stage. The organisation does good work on a range of issues; however, it is fair to accept that the funding of organisations such as Atlantic corridor by the Department is something of an anomaly. If Atlantic corridor is to remain in existence, it may well seek other forms of funding for its activities. It is doing this with an element of success, but I intend to review its operation this year.

Deputy Seán Crowe mentioned human rights, an issue that comes up regularly at the committee. I assure members that the promotion and protection of human rights throughout the world remain a priority for the Government. Our primary but not exclusive focus is on using the established international human rights machinery to monitor implementation of universal human rights standards. We avail of every opportunity to raise the issue of human rights at the relevant fora we attend, including the UN Human Rights Council, the Council of Europe and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. Members will be aware that we currently hold a seat on the UN Human Rights Council for the period 2013 to 2015. We will continue to maintain a lead role in that regard.

A specific point was raised by Deputy Ruairí Quinn about the promotion of cultural activities. Our embassies continue to work very closely with Culture Ireland. We gave the issue prominence at the recent conference in Dublin Castle and will continue to do so in so far as we can because the budget in this regard is small and will remain so in 2015. Deputy Eric Byrne raised the issue of diversity. We wish to remain open to the promotion of culture in all its forms. We will continue to promote Ireland as an open and diverse society at every opportunity.