Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)

I thank the Minister for his reply. Ireland lags behind its European partners when it comes to intergovernmental strategies that position culture, heritage and the creative industries as the foundation of a new creative economy. Between now and the end of 2013 the European Commission will be investing €70 billion in developing the creative economy across Europe. When one considers the position in Ireland, it is abundantly clear that there is an almost total lack of joined-up thinking on how to develop the sector and tap into its full potential in terms of revenue and employment. Ireland lacks the sophistication of other member states which support intergovernmental strategies that position culture, heritage and the creative industries as the foundation of the new economy. Derry, which is due to become the UK's first city of culture, is an excellent example in this regard. That the latter is even possible is due in part to the flexible and smart decisions made by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure in Northern Ireland, which is investing £5 million in innovative initiatives in this area.

Does the Minister agree that I have provided an accurate description of the current state of affairs in respect of this matter? Does he plan to reconsider the position in the context of investing along with local authorities in, for example, the historic towns initiative to which he referred, and which I welcome?

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