Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 310: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which it is intended or expected to utilise arts and culture as a means of protecting a positive image of this country abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12819/12]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 311: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which it might be possible to use Irish culture and art imagery, buildings and landscape as a means of promoting Irish exports abroad and simultaneously promoting the arts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12820/12]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 313: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which he expects to be in a position to promote, directly or indirectly, a positive image abroad of County Kildare in the course of the current year through the theme of art and culture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12822/12]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 310, 311 and 313 together.

I am strongly of the view that Ireland's arts and culture constitute one of our world-class, distinctive strengths as a nation and this view was reaffirmed by the positive findings of the Global Irish Economic Forum held last October. I am satisfied that the international promotion of Irish arts through my Department's Culture Ireland programme continues to make a notable contribution – not least in the US last year with the Imagine Ireland programme - in helping to restore our global reputation in these difficult times. At the same time, the promotion of Irish cultural and creative excellence in Europe and in key expert markets, such as China, offers fresh and innovative opportunities for the country, working in tandem with the promotion of trade, investment, tourism, agri-food and science. In particular, our EU Presidency in 2013 offers a new platform for cultural links with key European partners. In relation to the promotion abroad of County Kildare, the Deputy will understand that my remit in this context is a national one.