David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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731.To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the measures in place, if any, to support the establishment of a national diaspora centre in an area of cultural significance (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter.[34700/24]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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In their great numbers and considerable diversity, the Irish abroad are an essential part of our heritage and consciousness. I believe the narrative of historic migration from Ireland is important both to strengthen relationships with those of Irish descent abroad and to inform our understanding of the modern world.

My Department has no proposals, however, to establish a national diaspora centre in the location referred to in the question. The establishment of a new centre would best be considered in the first instance by the relevant local authority in association with community groups.

I appreciate the importance of the network of local museums which, with their specialist interests or local significance, contribute to the conservation and promotion of our heritage. In that context my Department provides support to the Irish Museums Association which fosters mutual support and best practice in museum management and also operates a number of grant schemes where local museums are already in existence.