James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 15: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if and when he will bring forward legislation to establish Culture Ireland on a statutory basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31552/07]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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Culture Ireland was established in 2005 as the new national agency for the promotion of Irish arts and culture worldwide, including music, theatre, dance, film, literature, visual arts, traditional arts, architecture, opera and circus.

Culture Ireland's Strategy recognises that arts and culture are among Ireland's strongest national achievements, which play a key role in creating global recognition for the country. They are also a key driver of Ireland's global attractiveness as a centre of creativity and innovation, and a destination for business and tourism. The agency was established to build on this competitive advantage for Ireland through strategic investment and development at a time of rapid national and international change. Culture Ireland's purpose is to promote and advance Irish arts in a global context, helping to create international opportunities for Irish artists and cultural practitioners and leading to a deeper mutual understanding between Irish and other cultures and communities.