Written answers

Tuesday, 1 May 2012

Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht Affairs

Culture Ireland

9:00 pm

Photo of Sandra McLellanSandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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Question 111: 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. [21411/12]

Photo of Charlie McConalogueCharlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 133: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he recognises the work of Culture Ireland in promoting Ireland abroad; if a value for money audit will be completed in advance of any decision to abolish the body and the contribution of the voluntary advisory board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21681/12]

Photo of Jimmy DeenihanJimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions No 111 and 133 together.

I am satisfied that the international promotion of Irish arts through my Department's Culture Ireland is making notable contributions – exemplified through its regular grant and showcase programmes and as instanced by my recent initiative, an International Celebration of Irish Culture to mark St Patrick's Day. Since its establishment, Culture Ireland has to date promoted and supported over 6,600 Irish cultural projects and events in over 74 countries, ranging across music, theatre, dance, literature, film, visual art and architecture. In 2011 alone, and excluding over 500 events as part of the Imagine Ireland initiative, Culture Ireland supported another 330 tours, events and projects by Irish artists across five continents.

In addition, Culture Ireland continues to aid the promotion of Irish cultural and creative excellence in Europe and in key export markets, such as China. Working in tandem with the promotion of trade, investment, tourism, agri-food and science, it is assisting in providing fresh and innovative opportunities. Our EU Presidency in 2013 now presents an additional platform for cultural links to be enhanced with key European partners. My Department, through Culture Ireland, is leading on the international dimension of the Cultural Programme for the EU Presidency.

At Government level, it will be recalled too that the recent visit to Ireland of Vice-President Xi Jinping provided a major boost to the profile of Irish culture and heritage in China, as well as strengthening our overall relationship with the People's Republic and with their most senior leadership. On the occasion of that visit, through Culture Ireland, my Department assisted the Government in organising a special performance of Riverdance, which took place in Dublin in honour of the Vice-President and his delegation, building on the extraordinary success and impact that this show has generated in China over the last decade.

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