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

The European Commission's plans to invest €70 billion in this area are the subject of a later question. In the context of the funding that is available to us, we are investing a significant amount in promoting heritage and culture in this country. In this regard one need only consider Kildare Street, on which two cultural institutions - the National Library and the National Museum - are located. These institutions are visited by large numbers of tourists on an hourly basis. If one goes onto the streets, one will see them. They have free access to both institutions. Last year the National Museum of Ireland attracted over 1 million tourists. Cultural tourism is one of the reasons many people come to Ireland. When Bord Fáilte and Fáilte Ireland carry out surveys, they ask people to outline the reasons they decide to come to Ireland. Cultural and heritage tourism is generally found to be the main reason. Although we are really using our cultural heritage, I accept we could do more in this regard and I will try to do so while I am in this job. According to a report published by the Heritage Council last month, our historic environment supports approximately 35,000 jobs and contributes approximately €1.5 billion to the economy. Cultural tourism which involves the built heritage, our natural heritage and cultural heritage is a central part of the tourism industry and the economy. As long as I am in this job, I will continue to emphasise as much as possible the promotion of cultural tourism.

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