Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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63. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress she has made towards the strategy made in Culture 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37035/16]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I published the draft framework policy Culture 2025/Éíre Ildánachin July this year, which was submitted to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs for input. The Culture 2025 framework policy sets out:

- a series of high-level objectives under the headings of Enrich, Engage, Participateto establish Government vision in relation to culture and society in Ireland;

- a set of key values, including the intrinsic value of culture, the right to participate in the cultural life of the nation and the role of culture in fostering a more sustainable future in Ireland; and

- a series of priority measures for implementation across Government and public bodies.

I understand that the Committee is currently preparing a report on the draft framework policy, which I will consider when received.

In the meantime, I believe that it is important to continue momentum in terms of delivery of the priorities set out in the framework policy and to build on the positive legacy of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme.

My Department has, therefore, been developing a cross-Government initiative to mainstream culture and creativity in the life of the nation and to promote individual, community and national wellbeing. This will focus on boosting cultural provision and participation in communities and harnessing the goodwill and engagement generated by the commemorative programme this year. It will also act as the main vehicle to take forward the priorities identified in Culture 2025.

I have secured funding of €5m in Budget 2017 to underpin this new initiative and I intend to announce further details in the coming weeks.