Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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18. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the degree to which she expects to develop the image of culture and heritage locations here as a means of positive and lucrative promotion of Ireland internationally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47376/18]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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Ireland has, time and again, demonstrated its capacity to make an impact at a scale beyond our size, and it is without doubt, that our unique culture and heritage play a key role in achieving this impact. Our culture and heritage define who we are as a people, but they are also the reason many people visit and stay in Ireland. They are a priceless and irreplaceable national asset.

Global Ireland - the Government’s plan to increase Ireland’s global footprint to 2025 – includes key initiatives such as promoting Irish arts, heritage and culture to new generations and new audiences across the world.

Culture Ireland, a Division of my Department operates on a cross Government basis with the Expert Advisory Committee comprised of representatives of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, IDA and Tourism Ireland as well as representatives of the sector. My Department is currently in the process of organising a conference of cultural stakeholders to examine how best to establish curated and strategic cultural programmes that advance our global reputation. It is expected that the conference will be held in early 2019.

Separately, I also recently announced a 4 month consultation on a new national heritage plan for Ireland, Heritage Ireland 2030. This consultation offers us a unique opportunity to rethink how we care for our habitats, landscapes, wildlife, historic buildings and monuments, so they can be celebrated and enjoyed long into the future.

Our vision for heritage is a simple one - that heritage is valued and protected. Heritage Ireland 2030 is built around that vision: that the way in which we identify and protect our heritage is the best it can be. Heritage Ireland 2030 is built around three emerging themes - National Leadership, Stronger Heritage Partnerships and Communities and Heritage. It is intended to draw up an Action Plan under each theme with full, open and regular review of objectives over the lifetime of the Plan to 2030.

The Plan will serve to raise awareness and appreciation of the wonderful natural and built heritage that Ireland has to offer, and ensures its sustainability for this and future generations to come.