Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am aware of this and the short answer is "No". The development of our first national culture policy provides an important opportunity for everyone to have their say on what we want to achieve in terms of our arts and culture over the next decade. Setting out high-level aims up to 2025 will help to protect and promote our culture and encourage new cultural forms to flourish. The development of Culture 2025 provides us with a chance to reflect on the important role culture plays in our life. It will also create a platform to bring together cultural bodies and groups at local, regional and national level.

I agree with the Deputy that arts officers in local authorities have a huge role to play in this, because they are at the coalface and engage with local arts organisations. I want them to be part of it and I also want artists to join in the conversation. We are going to a number of different venues and I hope to attend a number of them personally. I am going to Galway next week for consultation and we will extend the deadline for submissions until 31 October. I want to hear from heritage organisations because heritage is also very much part of our culture and I want to encourage as many people as possible to get involved in this consultation document.

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