Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 48: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans to introduce a cultural rights framework that would have the capacity to foster self expression, self esteem, creativity and civic participation, a rights system that would have the capacity to take account of the human person, especially of those voices unheard or marginalised in our society; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35434/12]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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While I have no particular plans to introduce a cultural rights framework or rights system as described by the Deputy, I acknowledge that the issues referred to form part of the essence of cultural and artistic expression in this country. As the Deputy is aware, the National Cultural Institutions are a key part of the cultural landscape. Through their collections, staffing and contribution to knowledge, they are essential building blocks in the cultural identity and creativity of Ireland. While education and access are operational matters for the institutions themselves, I am aware that these issues are taken very seriously by them. Through their education and outreach programmes, the institutions strive to ensure that the collections and resources are accessible to all sectors of our society. In addition, broadening accessibility to the arts is, of course, at the heart of Arts Council policy.