Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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Question 699: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in view of the fact that the five year contract of the chief executive of Culture Ireland expires in April 2012, if the position will be re-advertised. [17773/12]

Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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Question 700: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in view of the vital importance of Culture Ireland to the promotion and protection of Irish culture throughout the world, the steps he will take to ensure the continued success of Culture Ireland. [17774/12]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 699 and 700 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Government, as part of its Public Service Reform Plan, recently announced a radical streamlining of State bodies, including in respect of certain bodies funded from my Department's Vote Group. This includes decisions to combine or merge a number of such bodies. In addition, decisions have been taken to critically review, by June 2012, the streamlining and shared services agenda in respect of a number of other bodies funded from my Department's Vote Group, including in relation to the merging of the functions of Culture Ireland into my Department. More details in this regard can be accessed on the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform website at www.per.gov.ie.

The Deputy will be aware that it is recognised, most recently at the Global Irish Economic Forum last October, that arts and culture are Ireland's global calling card and one of our world-class, distinctive strengths as a nation. The international promotion of Irish arts through Culture Ireland has made a significant impact - especially in the US last year with the Imagine Ireland programme - in restoring our global reputation at a critical time and expanding international markets and audiences for Irish artists. Equally, in the coming years, the promotion of Irish cultural and creative excellence in Europe and in key growth markets, such as China, offers vital opportunities for the country, working in tandem with the promotion of trade, investment, tourism, food and science. In particular, our EU Presidency in 2013 will present a platform to strengthen our cultural links with key European partners, such as Germany and France.

I am committed to ensuring that we will be able to continue to deliver the functions of Culture Ireland effectively in the future. The critical review requested by Government is already under way in my Department and I expect to be in a position shortly to take definitive decisions on the matter. Decisions in relation to the future management structure will be finalised at that stage. In relation to the position of the Chief Executive of Culture Ireland, this issue is currently being examined by my Department.