Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Jul 1993

Vol. 433 No. 6

Written Answers. - Celtic Races Links.

Austin Deasy

Question:

39 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the positive steps, if any, that are being taken to promote cultural links between the Celtic races and, in particular, to explore matters of similarity in relation to languages and games.

Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht (Mr. M. Higgins)

The whole area of cultural links is of increasing importance and I am keen to encourage those links which have already been forged. These include the organisation of an annual Pan-Celtic Festival in Ireland for which my Department provided grant-aid of £10,000 in 1993; the assistance given by An Chomhairle Ealaíon in exchange projects between Ireland, Scotland and Wales; and assistance given by An Chomhairle to an International Festival of Film in Celtic Countries held in Gaoth Dobhair this year. Moreover, the National Museum of Ireland played a major part in the successful Celtic Exhibition "I Celti" in Venice last year.

The Deputy may also wish to be aware that Ireland is assisting the Directorate of Culture of the Council of Europe in their efforts to establish a series of Cultural Routes, including Celtic Routes, in Europe. There are two Irish representatives on a small Council of Europe drafting Committee to identify Celtic Routes. This drafting Committee has already received the Irish input for the drawing up of information brochures and maps to outline the Celtic Routes, and the Committee will meet in Dublin on 16-17 August next to complete their deliberations.