Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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106. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if his Department has considered applying for United Nations Educational, Scientific and Culutral Organisation recognition and support for hurling under its heritage programme; and if any consideration has been given to any potential benefits to tourism here as a result of such a designation. [44242/13]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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I assume that the Deputy is referring to the UNESCO Convention on Intangible Cultural Heritage. Ireland is currently not a signatory to this Convention so it is not possible at the moment for hurling to be recognised under the Convention, as suggested by the Deputy. However, this is something that I would support. Officials within my Department are examining the matter to determine the case for signing up to the Convention and to assess if the cost involved could be justified. I am expecting a report in this regard to be available to me shortly.