Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 November 2016
491. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which she and her Department expect to be in a position to continue to utilise events of a cultural and heritage nature to promote the national image at home and abroad, with particular reference to the need to generate increased interest in such matters amongst young persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37735/16]
View answerThe Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme this year facilitated a heightened sense of shared identity and pride of country. Building on this, my Department has focused in recent months on the Reimagine phase of the Centenary Programme. This aims to create an enduring impact and long-term legacy of 2016, using the momentum and very positive public responses to the Remember and Reflect phases of the Programme.
In parallel, I have also published a draft framework culture policy Culture 2025/Éíre Ildánach in July. This was submitted to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs for input.
It is now my intention to implement a cross-Government initiative as a legacy project arising from the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme and as the main implementation vehicle for the priorities identified in Culture 2025/Éire Ildánach.
This will include, among other things, measures both to promote our image at home and abroad and to foster interest in cultural matters, including our cultural heritage, in young people.
