Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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427. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to support the development of the creative industries sector; if she has reviewed the report from the previous Joint Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation on the hearings in relation to examining the potential for job creation, innovation and balanced economic development in the creative economy; and if she will implement the recommendations of the report in tandem with the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. [37070/16]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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My Department appreciates the importance of the cultural and creative industries to Ireland and is aware of the report referred to in the Deputy’s Question. In this regard, my Department provides significant support for arts and film through the Arts Council and the Irish Film Board, as well as through its capital supports for the development of arts and cultural infrastructure. I am keenly aware of the potential of the creative sector to contribute to sustainable jobs growth and my Department continues to work with other Departments, in particular with the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, across a range of areas as set out in the Action Plan for Jobs. Much of this work responds to relevant issues identified in the report referred to, particularly in relation to the audio-visual sector and maximising the contribution of this sector to the Irish economy. Earlier this month, I announced the commissioning of an economic analysis of our screen- based creative industries. This study will examine the economic impact and potential of the Irish film, TV and animation sector. A steering group led by my Department, with representatives of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, the Irish Film Board and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland will liaise with the consultants on this project. This economic analysis will consider the scale and economic contribution of the screen-based creative industries and examine its potential to expand further. The study, when complete, will help to inform Government strategies and initiatives as we seek to enhance Ireland’s reputation as a home of creative talent.

The creative industries are of significant relevance in the development of Ireland's first national cultural policy. The draft framework policy Éire Ildánach/Culture 2025 was forwarded to the Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in July.

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, harnessing the goodwill and engagement generated by the 2016 commemorative programme, and acting as a vehicle to take forward the priorities identified in Culture 2025.