Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 14 Feb 1996

Vol. 461 No. 5

Written Answers. - EU Presidency.

Liam Lawlor

Question:

80 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the plans, if any, he has to commission a special musical work to coincide with the Heads of State Summit in December 1996; the further plans, if any, he has for a series of concerts, exhibitions and so on during the six months Presidency to showcase Irish talent during this European-wide focus on Ireland; the other aspects, if any, of Irish heritage or culture he intends to highlight during this period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3135/96]

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

I have no plans at this stage to commission a special musical work to mark Ireland's Presidency of the EU during the second half of this year, although, I understand that the Department of the Taoiseach is undertaking an initiative in this regard in connection with the inauguration of the Irish Presidency.

I believe that it is a matter for each individual Minister who will host an informal council or seminar here in Ireland during the course of our Presidency of the EU to choose the aspects of our heritage and culture that he or she wishes to highlight. For my own part, it is my intention that a suitable programme of cultural events will be put in place to coincide with the seminar of EU Culture Ministers scheduled to take place in Galway in late September.