Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013
47. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which The Gathering has been utilised through the promotion of the arts as a means of projecting a positive national image; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38439/13]
View answer726. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which he and his Department has facilitated and encouraged music and cultural productions to link into The Gathering with a view to maximisation of the projection of this country’s image as a centre for the promotion of the arts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36952/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 47 and 726 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, The Gathering initiative, undertaken by my colleague, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, has the strong support of my Department and the agencies under my Department's remit. A range of the actions that have been taken to support The Gathering were outlined in my replies to Questions No. 16 of 28 November 2012, No. 13 of 30 January 2013, No. 120 of 13 March 2013 and Questions 16 and 163 (taken together) of 30 May 2013.
Throughout 2013, my Department has worked to encourage linkages between the cultural area and The Gathering initiative. As outlined previously, Culture Ireland, as the section of my Department responsible for the promotion of Irish arts worldwide, has included as a grant condition for 2013 events that grantees, when presenting their work, should promote The Gathering and encourage their audiences to embrace the initiative.
In addition, national cultural institutions under the auspices of my Department have identified special exhibitions to link in with The Gathering. I also understand that a great number of arts organisations funded by the Arts Council, particularly those involved in festivals, are participating in The Gathering.
The Deputy is also aware that Údarás na Gaeltachta developed a dedicated scheme to support events and festival in the Gaeltacht as part of The Gathering initiative.
I consider that my Department and its agencies have made a substantial contribution towards ensuring a strong linkage between the cultural area and The Gathering and that this will promote and enhance the artistic image of the country.
