Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 82: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the duties and responsibilities of the recently appointed cultural ambassador to the United States; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14010/10]

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 87: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the role an ambassador (details supplied) will play in the USA; the remit of his position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13241/10]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 87 together.

In order to enhance the cultural promotion of Ireland abroad, the Government decided to create the honorary position of Cultural Ambassador. This decision recognises the worldwide importance of Ireland's culture and its connection to our economy, which was one of the major conclusions of the Global Irish Economic Forum at Farmleigh.

The appointment of Gabriel Byrne as Ireland's first Cultural Ambassador was recently announced by the Taoiseach. Gabriel Byrne is an internationally renowned, award-winning actor and is already well established as one of Ireland's great ambassadors through his work in film and theatre, as well as his endeavours behind the scenes in supporting and promoting Irish artists.

It is envisaged that the appointee, drawing on his experience and network of contacts, will help the Irish Government primarily through the offices of my Department to further develop our overall vision and policies for the promotion of Irish arts, culture and the creative industries internationally, and in particular in the United States. As this is a new position, it is envisaged that the precise extent of the responsibilities involved will evolve in practice and over time and must allow for the fact that Gabriel Byrne has extensive other career commitments.

Mr Byrne has already played a key role in helping to develop the concept for the special season of Irish arts in the US in 2011 being organised by Culture Ireland, and as Cultural Ambassador he will be advising Culture Ireland and Ireland's Embassy and Consulates in the US on the creation of a dynamic programme of art, ideas, debate and reflection which will help to foster a renewed, forward-looking cultural relationship between Ireland and America.