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

It can certainly be explored. As I said, it is already happening. This year we included Belfast and Derry and the initiative was very successful. It should be possible to extend Culture Night all over the world, where appropriate. We can consider this and I will certainly suggest it.

Culture Night was very successful this year. Over 200,000 people took part at 30 locations nationwide. It has been a real success. I recognise the work of Temple Bar Cultural Trust in initiating the project and bringing it to its current position. Approximately 1,500 people visited the Oireachtas on Culture Night this year and I happened to be present. There was a great atmosphere and people were delighted to be able to visit the Oireachtas.

I accept the Deputy's point that Culture Night has been successful here. It was proved that it could be successful in Belfast and Derry also and has been rolled out in other parts of the world. There is a distinct possibility that it will be rolled out further. Wherever embassies and consulates can help in rolling it out, they should do so.

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