Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 115: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if Culture Ireland will be protected; his views on the recommendation to abolish this body in the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes report; his further views on the long term strategic implications of this proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37378/09]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I regard Culture Ireland as a key element of my Department. Culture Ireland's remit is to promote Irish arts and artists worldwide across all art forms including theatre, music, dance, literature, visual arts and film. Since its establishment in 2005 Culture Ireland has made a wide impact worldwide through the promotion and support of over 1,350 Irish cultural initiatives and events in 74 countries.

The Report of the Global Irish Economic Forum at Farmleigh, which has just been published states as one of its main findings:- Recognition of the importance of culture in promoting Ireland abroad and developing a unique brand for the country in new markets. Most participants agreed that our unique and strong cultural identity provides the Government and the private sector with a strong competitive advantage abroad.

Furthermore, several participants argued that our strong cultural identity offered Ireland a big advantage and distinguished us from other countries. The Report states that in developing this advantage we need to be strategic and a well thought out, long term plan is required, fully funded, and fitting into the overall approach to Brand Ireland. I intend to pursue the recommendations of this Report and to work on the details of that long-term plan.

The outcome of the Farmleigh Forum echoed the Government's Strategic Policy Review of Ireland-US relations, which suggests that "Culture is the means by which most Americans now encounter Ireland... We need to actively explore how we can do better in this vastly underexploited field and we need to invest in the infrastructure that best allows us to do so."

In investing in our promotional strategy for culture I regard it as hugely important that we ensure that it is coordinated with our strategies for trade, investment and tourism. At a time when our artists are achieving major international success and recognition for Ireland, it is essential that we maximise the opportunities our arts, culture and creative talents afford our country. Our global cultural brand is a unique asset which we can use to renew Ireland's international reputation.

Culture Ireland has not been established on a statutory basis but operates on a cost effective basis as an agency within my Department sharing all the costs of back up services including finance, I.T. and H.R. as well as shared accommodation. The budget for Culture Ireland will be handled as part of the Estimates process and I will be making a strong case in favour of the strategic value of maintaining ongoing support for Culture Ireland during the upcoming discussions on Estimates.