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

There was a consultation process and it was good to get out there. I attended two of the meetings and all the stakeholders came together for the final one in Kilmainham Hospital, Dublin. It was a great opportunity for stakeholders to make their views known to me and my Department and to network. Some people might say we are moving this too quickly but I am very anxious to move it forward. This is our first ever cultural policy and I am not saying we will get all of it right the first time. As I said, it will be a living document. I promised we would have a cultural consultation day in order that whoever is in this job next year will allow it to take place. It is important that all the stakeholders in the arts and the cultural sector engage.

The core strands to emerge included the intrinsic value of culture. Culture is of value in and of itself to each person living here and to those who visit, as well as something which benefits the economy. Ireland is an island of rich and diverse cultural activity and the policy should reflect this. Multiculture is for everyone. It should be fully inclusive and celebrate every aspect of every culture in the State. As the Deputy pointed out, schools throughout the country have many different nationalities and it is important to embrace other cultures to make our own culture richer.

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