Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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151. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of Irish entertainers that offered their services to perform at the upcoming State visit of President Higgins to England; the criteria used for the selection of the artists; the number that were selected; if those not selected will be notified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15484/14]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Ceiliúradh, a special evening of music, spoken word and dance, featuring artists from Ireland and the United Kingdom, will take place in the Royal Albert Hall on Thursday 10th April, 2014 to mark the historic occasion of the first State Visit by the President of Ireland to the United Kingdom. I am delighted that it will be promoted under the general aegis of the Culture Ireland Division of my Department which has ongoing responsibility for the promotion of Irish artists worldwide. The Royal Albert Hall has engaged South Wind Blows to produce the concert and it is responsible for curation of the event and selection of the artists. The show is intended to reflect the close cultural connections between our two countries and includes artists and performers living in Ireland and Britain.