Written answers

Thursday, 24 September 2015

Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Heritage Promotion

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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245. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she anticipates the use of the arts and Ireland’s heritage as a means of promoting our national image at home and abroad, with the consequent economic benefit throughout all aspects of the economy; her views regarding particular proposals or promotions in this regard, such as the marketing of historic sites relating to events, and encouraging a greater awareness of our rich culture and heritage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32694/15]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Our cultural heritage, which encompasses the arts, our cultural institutions and our natural and built heritage, is vital to our national identity and well-being. As well as being of vital intrinsic importance and a great source of national pride, our cultural heritage is also a major source of employment and economic activity and is key to promoting Ireland's image abroad and attracting inward investment. A society that values the arts is a more successful and prosperous one. I am committed to enabling support for, and access to, the arts, culture and Ireland's rich heritage for Irish people and visitors alike. A core objective for me, therefore, is to sustain and support these sectors, while seeking to promote and maximise their societal and economic potential. Our rich heritage, unique habitats, diverse artistic and cultural sectors and, of course, our national cultural institutions all have a key role to play in this regard.

The Programme for Government, along with my Department's Statement of Strategy, has the overall goal of promoting and developing Ireland's world-class artistic and creative strengths at home and abroad, while maximising their societal, economic and reputational value for the country. Developing a national cultural policy is central to these aims.

My Department is currently working on Culture 2025,the first ever such policy in Ireland. Culture 2025will set out the Government's high-level aims and policies in the area of culture for the period up to 2025 and my Department has commenced the engagement in a nationwide consultation process on the development of the policy. I look forward to working further with the all interested parties as part of that process.

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