Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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25. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there are plans to appoint a cultural officer to the Embassy in Canberra, Australia. [40122/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Cultural diplomacy is an integral part of the work of Ireland's Embassy in Canberra and our Consulate General in Sydney. Both missions work to promote cultural ties and the Irish arts, as well as the strengthening of political and economic relationships and support to the Irish community.

The appointment of full-time specialist Cultural Officers in priority locations worldwide has been identified in the Government’s Global Ireland 2025 strategy as a key action to widen and deepen our global cultural presence and engagement. Seven positions in Berlin, London, New York, Los Angeles, Sao Paulo, Paris and Beijing have been filled to date, in a close partnership between my Department and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

Consideration is being given to further such appointments in priority locations and regions, as part of the Global Ireland programme, subject to resources, local conditions and requirements.