Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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343. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the procedure in order to apply to become a city of culture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41866/13]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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The European Capitals of Culture are already designated up to and including 2019. The legislation for designation of European Capitals of Culture from 2020 to 2033 is being considered at present by the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament. In fact, during Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first six months of this year, I obtained the political agreement of the Council on the new Capitals of Culture legislation. At present, the Lithuanian Presidency is leading negotiations with the Parliament on behalf of the Council.

Although the legislation is not yet finalised, it is expected that it will provide for Ireland to host the European Capital of Culture in 2020, along with Croatia. This will mean that a public call for applications from interested cities will be made over the coming months. A committee of experts will be appointed under the legislation, which will examine the applications and make recommendations. The question of which institution will make the designation is still the subject of negotiation between the Council and the Parliament.

In addition, I introduced a new initiative of Irish City of Culture with Limerick as the inaugural Irish City of Culture in 2014. Limerick will deliver a programme of cultural events and engagement in arts and culture by the citizens of Limerick and beyond. It will bring artists, arts organisations, local authorities and civic groups in the city and county together in a calendar of events which will showcase all that the city has to offer. I believe that the initiative will generate a legacy both locally and nationally. I anticipate that the be further Irish City of Culture designations and that other Irish cities will be interested in applying for such designations in due course.