Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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320. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of events held throughout the year and supported or promoted by his Department or bodies under his aegis wherein this country's heritage was promoted; the extent to which such events compare favourably with the years 2009 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44790/13]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, my Department oversees and has policy responsibility for the conservation, preservation, protection, development and presentation of Ireland's heritage and culture. My Department also seeks to promote the Irish language, to support the Gaeltacht and to assist the sustainable development of island communities. Information in relation to the functions of my Department, as well as the programmes, schemes and events operated and supported by it, can be found on my Department's website at .

In relation to the Deputy's specific question concerning events supported by my Department wherein this country's heritage was promoted, the Deputy may wish to note that my Department was established on 2 June 2011 and, therefore, the Deputy will appreciate that the information sought by him in respect of my Department can be provided for the current year to date and also for 2012. I am advised that, in 2012, it is estimated that some 675 events were held or promoted directly by my Department or where support was committed or provided by my Department, wherein this country's heritage was promoted. In the current year to date, over 450 such events have been held.

A number of State bodies and agencies with responsibilities relating to various aspects of my Department's remit are funded from within my Department's Vote Group. The Deputy will appreciate that the organising of any events to promote the country's heritage is part of the day-to-day operational responsibilities of the bodies in question. I am arranging, therefore, for the terms of the Deputy's Question to be transmitted to the heads of relevant bodies with a request that they provide information, to the extent feasible, directly to the Deputy.

Finally, if the Deputy has a particular question in relation to a specific event or issue I would be glad to seek to provide the relevant information.