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

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. I am convinced there is huge potential to develop links with China not only cultural but also economic. We can leverage cultural events in order to attract investment. We need only consider the companies that attended the special Riverdance performance. Representatives of all the top companies in China attended and unless they were interested in Ireland and perhaps especially interested in Riverdance which is a major brand in China, they would not have made the effort to come from all over the country to attend. I view cultural events as a great calling card for this country in China and I am convinced that we can leverage much more economic activity from them. Riverdance has resulted in huge connections in China where it has had a huge impact. It is amazing how it has resonated with its people. I understand the show, with the new dance being created by John McColgan and Moya Doherty, will tour China again next year. We should avail of these opportunities to attract as much attention to Ireland as possible. I discussed with the Minister the possibility of designating 2014 as the year of Irish culture in China and he was very receptive to the idea.

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