Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 November 2017
59. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the way in which the Creative Ireland Programme will utilise the National Opera House; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47614/17]
View answerThe Creative Ireland Programme is a cross-Government initiative to mainstream culture and creativity in the life of the nation and to promote individual, community and national wellbeing. It aims to put creativity at the centre of public policy. The programme is based on five pillars:
1.Enabling the creative potential of every child
2. Enabling creativity in every community
3. Investing in our creative and cultural infrastructure
4. Establishing Ireland as a centre of excellence in media production
5. Unifying our Global Reputation
Implementation of the Programme, while under the aegis of my Department, will, where the opportunity arises, primarily be through, and in collaboration with existing agencies, local authorities, cultural institutions, State bodies and other cultural partners.
The focus of the Programme this year is on delivering ten major initiatives by the end of 2017, further details of which are available on https://creative.ireland.ie. The National Opera House in Wexford already plays a huge role in the creative and cultural life of the nation as well as being an anchor resource in Co. Wexford and the South East. This existing role contributes to the aims of the Creative Ireland Programme and I have no doubt that this engagement will deepen over the coming years as the Opera House develops its services with the support of my Department, the Arts Council and others.
