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

I would like to acknowledge the strong interest of the Deputy in matters relating to culture and heritage, and the potential of those sectors - apart from their intrinsic value - to help promote economic recovery. As the Deputy is aware, I have responded to a range of questions from him on these matters over recent months and have also supplied him directly with a significant volume of information about assistance provided to arts and heritage groups from my own Department, the Heritage Council and the Arts Council.

I share his view that the arts, culture and heritage sectors continue to offer vital opportunities for the provision of important cultural, social and employment benefits to communities throughout the country. The nature of employment within the arts sector encompasses a wide range of activities, while cultural and heritage tourism is one of the most important elements of Ireland's tourism product. I should also say that the Government appreciates and values the contribution the arts sector makes to the internationally renowned artistic and cultural reputation of this country.

I have outlined previously for the Deputy a range of ways in which my Department and relevant bodies within its remit are seeking to support cultural and heritage initiatives in conjunction with local groups and communities. These include cultural tourism initiatives such as the St. Patrick's Day celebrations, Music Day and Culture Night; the extensive support provided by the Arts Council for festivals and other arts and cultural events across the county; the range of activities organised by the Council of National Cultural Institutions and other cultural venues supported by my Department; the philanthropy leverage initiative, funded by my Department; the many cultural and heritage events being held under the auspices of both The Gathering and our EU Presidency cultural programme; a number of web-based projects being developed by my Department to promote greater appreciation and understanding of Ireland's heritage as a valuable amenity for residents and visitors alike; and other collaborative work with bodies and groups such as the Heritage Council, the Irish Heritage Trust, Fáilte Ireland, and Leader groups.

Within the current economic constraints, investment in the arts, heritage, culture and creative sectors is more important than ever, having regard to the employment intensity of these sectors. While I know the Deputy appreciates the funding difficulties facing all Departments at this time, he can be assured I remain committed to securing the best possible level of funding for these sectors. The specific allocations to be made over the next three years will, of course, be dependent on the budgetary and estimates cycles in each of those years.

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