Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy O'Callaghan for raising this very topical and interesting issue. As the Deputy will know, the centenary of the publication ofUlysses is arguably one of the most important literary centenaries in the history of the State, and while this year we celebrate the 100th anniversary of a great book about Dublin by, as mentioned by Deputy O'Callaghan, a great Dublin writer, it is also a huge moment in international writing.

The Government is providing a range of supports to commemorate this iconic publication at home and abroad. The Department of Foreign Affairs, keenly aware of the importance of Joyce's artistic legacy internationally, is supporting an innovative programme of events around the world with our missions at the centre of many of them. France and Ireland have a strong and historic cultural relationship and, this year, we jointly celebrate the centenary of the publication of Ulyssesin Paris. The Centre Culturel Irlandais, CCI, in Paris is presenting a special five-month season of centenaries, celebrating the centenaries of the publication of Ulyssesand of Irish statehood. This Joyce season, alongside other special initiatives by the embassy in Paris, form the cornerstone of Ireland's Ulysses100 celebrations in France.

At home, the Museum of Literature Ireland has developed a wonderful programme of events, launched yesterday, to mark this special centenary with support from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and the Department of Foreign Affairs. TheUlysses100 digital platform developed by the museum will be a fantastic resource and will gather and promote centenary events happening across the globe as well as collecting the centenary for archive and future research. This will make it easier than ever for the public to access information and to find out how they can get involved in the many wonderful and eclectic projects happening throughout the country and the rest of the world.

The hugely ambitious Museum of Literature Ireland Ulysses2.2 project, in association with ANU and Landmark Productions, has been funded by the Arts Council's Open Call award, and represents not just a look back at Ulyssesbut will engage a huge gathering of artists across art forms to look at ourselves today, at a changing and diverse Ireland that is every bit as complex, messy, mischievous and beautiful as Joyce presented it in 1922. Particularly encouraging is the inclusion of young audiences in the Ulysses2.2 programme. The Museum of Literature Ireland is also hosting an exhibition called, Love, says Bloom, which opened yesterday, by author and curator Nuala O'Connor. The James Joyce Centre has a wonderful programme of events to mark this centenary, supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. The programme includes innovative ways of engaging children with this great work and programming and exhibitions which will bring Joyce and Ulyssesto life for so many.

As mentioned by Deputy O'Callaghan, Ulyssesoffers us many tourism opportunities, with visitors keen to walk the streets of Joyce's rich characters and visit those places made iconic by Ulysses. Our rich literary history allows us to promote a unique tourism offering. Dublin was named the seventh best city in the world to visit in 2022 by Lonely Planet, specifically calling out the centenary as a key reason to plan a visit to Dublin in 2022.

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