Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Again, we will look at any kind of worthwhile venture which comes forward. We support organisations but we do not supplant existing State funding for schools or whatever. Obviously, the bulk funding for a school would come, presumably, from the local government there or the education department in that area. We could, of course, then assess the situation with regard to any additional supports and respond. We can take the Irish Arts Center in New York, for example, where we have provided substantial money. When I was Minister for Foreign Affairs on the last occasion I would have given the first €2 million to the New York Irish Arts Center back in 2008, I believe. That was a kickstart but then the New York council had to come in, as did various other agencies in the United States. We would not rule anything at all out and it would obviously depend on applications, capacity and so on. We certainly look favourably on these things which advance Irish culture and language. We support Irish language studies in various parts of the world. I was treated to a traditional Irish music presentation by third level students in Beijing who are part of the Irish Beijing studies.

We do a great deal for the GAA which, it seems to me, is the biggest network overseas, in Asia, Australia, the Middle East, the Gulf States and in many other parts of the world. It is a very strong organisation and we try to support it everywhere we can. I was in Mexico recently where a new GAA club was formed - the Los San Patricios GAA Mexico City club. There were more expats or non-Irish playing than Irish but they loved it. There is a woman's GAA football team. This advances Irish culture and the Irish profile. It is a good thing and we support them.