Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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170. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which efforts continue to be made to interact with the Irish Diaspora, through the medium of culture; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10721/15]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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171. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which Irish history and culture continues to be promoted overseas through the Irish diaspora; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10722/15]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 170 and 171 together.

The Culture Ireland Division of my Department promotes Irish arts worldwide, creating and supporting opportunities for Irish artists and companies to present and promote their work at strategic international festivals and venues. Culture Ireland recognises the significance of culture and the importance of cultural identity for our many emigrants. Culture Ireland, in promoting Irish artists abroad, places a special focus on key territories and areas where there is a strong Irish diaspora and interest in Irish culture. Events supported by Culture Ireland offer an important opportunity to engage with members of the diaspora and assist them in maintaining their cultural ties to Ireland.

Many of the presenters who seek Culture Ireland support to promote Irish arts events worldwide are members of the diaspora, who have created annual arts events in key territories worldwide, including Irish film and music festivals. Indeed, the work of the diaspora has served to generate new audiences and new interest in Irish arts, extending beyond those with Irish connections.

Culture Ireland also supports an annual programme of events in Irish centres abroad, including partner organisations such as the Irish Arts Centre, NY, Centre Culturel Irlandais, Paris, and the London Irish Centre. All these centres have a strong Irish diaspora membership, which can engage in an ongoing programme of contemporary arts from Ireland through Culture Ireland's input.

The St Patrick’s Day period is recognised as the main focus period to connect with the diaspora through cultural events. Culture Ireland supports a significant Irish cultural programme each year globally, with highlights in areas where there is a significant diaspora such as London, New York, Sydney and Shanghai. Locally, the diaspora work with Culture Ireland to maximise the impact of the events around this period to celebrate and highlight our artistic strengths and build on Ireland's global reputation as a country of creativity.

This year, the international culture programme for the St Patrick’s Day period will see funding in excess of €200,000 supporting more than 50 events taking place in 22 countries. The St Patrick’s Day period offers a unique platform to highlight the strength of Ireland’s creative sector, and foster tourism and inward investment. It presents Ireland with an unrivalled opportunity to showcase our culture and our talented artists globally. It is a key opportunity to put the spotlight on the best of our culture, and to allow new audiences and the diaspora to see, hear and experience Irish artists first-hand.