Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 214: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress on the establishment of Culture Ireland, the new semi-State agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12412/05]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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On 24 February, I announced the establishment of a new body for the promotion of Irish arts abroad to be known as "Culture Ireland". The specific activities of Culture Ireland may include, but are not confined to: grant-giving to Irish artists or arts organisations in response to applications received for such assistance and evaluated in accordance with transparent criteria to be determined and published by Culture Ireland; funding and facilitation of Irish participation at strategic international arts events; managing of special emblematic cultural and artistic events or activities either in Ireland or abroad as required by the Minister for Arts, Sport, and Tourism; giving advice to me as Minister on international arts and cultural affairs.

Within 12 months of its establishment, Culture Ireland is to submit to me a strategic plan for the discharging of this remit over the following three years. The first formal meeting of Culture Ireland was held on 7 April.