Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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8. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he has any plans to appoint a person with the specific remit to develop Dublin city as an integrated cultural hub; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19372/13]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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The question relates to a matter for which I have no statutory remit. Urban planning and the appointment referred to by the Deputy is a matter for the appropriate local authority, which in this instance is Dublin City Council.

However, I note that I provide funding to Dublin City Council towards part of the costs of the imaginative UNESCO Dublin city of literature programme. In July 2010, Dublin became the world's fourth UNESCO city of literature and part of the UNESCO creative cities network, which was launched in 2004 and includes Edinburgh, Iowa city and Melbourne. The award is a permanent designation and its realisation has been led by the city library service of Dublin City Council.

Since then, Dublin City Council, through the city library service, has led and directed the work of the Dublin UNESCO City of Literature office supported by an expanded management group and a representative steering group. Funding has been provided directly and in kind by Dublin City Council, by my Department, by Fáilte Ireland and Foras na Gaeilge. I am providing €50,000 in funding to Dublin City Council for this year's UNESCO activities.

Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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I ask this question in the context of the recent announcement by Dublin City Council of plans for a new cultural quarter around Parnell Square. I welcome the initiative but I am concerned that it does not go far enough. Dublin has a number of things going for it. It is the capital city and it houses all the major national cultural institutions of theatre, music, museums and galleries. The city has a unique culture and heritage in its built environment and in the arts. However, there are two entirely separate streams - the national one running through the city and the local one specifically tailored to the city. Does the Minister accept there is a disjunction between the two identities and that the divisions are reproduced in the lack of joined up thinking to see the bigger picture? Does the Minister accept this has a negative affect on development, in terms of tourism and in terms of the city's overall urban aesthetic? As a result, the city's huge potential as a cultural artistic centre remains untapped.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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I agree Dublin has a huge amount to offer. It is ranked among the most exciting cities in the world. I also agree it has further potential. My involvement is with the national cultural institutions, such as the museums, libraries, the Chester Beatty library, the Abbey Theatre and the other institutions. Despite the fact that we are challenged with funding the cultural institutions, including the concert hall, are performing very well. They are making the most of their resources.

The proposed development of Parnell Square is very much a Dublin City Council development project. Dublin City Council has a major role to play in the co-ordination of what is available. One of the great examples of the State and the corporation coming together was in Temple Bar. It was an outstanding success in the early 1990s. I have always advocated people working together. In this instance, Dublin City Council has a critical role to play.

Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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As a former Dublin city councillor, I welcome the question tabled to the Minister. The development of Parnell Square is an outstanding proposal and will leave a fine legacy to the former city manager, Mr. John Tierney, to whom I pay tribute. Something that is very close to the Minister's heart, and a counterbalance to the Parnell Square proposal, is College Green and its connection to Trinity College. The Minister has done some great work in that respect. He mentioned a gateway and there could easily be a gateway to College Green through the bank. I ask the Minister to examine this point. It should not be a short-term proposal but one over ten or 15 years, where we can return the bank in College Green from the Bank of Ireland to the citizens. We could develop a strong cultural hub in the heart of the city connecting Temple Bar, College Green and Trinity College. I ask the Minister to re-energise himself in his effort. He will receive every support from me if we can press this home.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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The Cabinet is examining various proposals for 1916, including major landmark developments for the country. The issue of College Green is under consideration and I take the Deputy's points on board. I know Deputy Kevin Humphreys has a passionate commitment to this topic. I have discussed it with him over the past two years. Perhaps something will develop from our aspirations.