Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)

I was pleased to hear the Minister refer to sport because I felt it was being ever so slightly neglected within the portfolio. The question relates to culture and the impact it might have in terms of developing an interest in sport. It is clear that there is a significant cultural impact in terms of sport in this country not alone with our traditional sports, but on a wider scale. This country is recognised as a great sporting country. We punch well above our weight in many sports. That has significant potential not only for the economy, but in terms of our profile aboard as a sporting country.

To return to culture, I was pleased to hear the Minister say it is not just about economics, that we have to look at the societal aspect of culture as well, which is clearly of great importance. In an article by Mr. Fintan O'Toole, which the Minister might have read during the week, he referred to the west. I put it to the Minister that there is a job of work to be done. He said that at the moment the west is not translating its magnetic cultural image into the creation of such a region. He considers the impact of creativity. He indicates that in London one job in seven is in the creative sector. In New England in the United States, one job in 25 is in the creative sector while in the west it is one in 33. Purely from the point of view of the economy, the message is that there is significant potential in terms of opportunities for the creation of more jobs. I do not say that is the only purpose of it. There is the intrinsic value of culture and of the merit of the west as an example in its own right. It is one that has an opportunity that can be developed and promoted.

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