Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 October 2020
412. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the embassies in which cultural officers for Ireland have been appointed; the date of each respective appointment; the number of applications that were received for each respective post; the further embassies in which cultural officers have yet to be appointed; when such appointments will be made; the role of the cultural officers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28871/20]
View answerThe appointment of specialist Cultural Officers in priority locations worldwide was identified in the Government’s Global Ireland 2025 strategy as a key action to widen and deepen our global cultural presence and engagement. This new strategic capability is being delivered in a close partnership between my Department and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
The initial three positions in Berlin, New York and London were approved and advertised this year. 30 applications for the Berlin post were received by the due date, 459 for the New York post and 174 for the London post. In the case of Berlin, the successful candidate assumed the role on 24 August 2020. The New York and London recruitments are ongoing and at an advanced stage.
Four other priority locations for the appointment of Cultural Officers were identified in Global Ireland 2025 - Beijing, Los Angeles, Paris and Tokyo - with the possibility of additional locations in the lifetime of the strategy. The timing for recruitment to these posts is in each case subject to resources and to conditions and requirements in the relevant location.
The role of the Cultural Officers is to enhance the promotion of Irish arts and culture in the relevant countries and regions, working to achieve the objectives of the relevant Missions and of Culture Ireland under the strategic guidance of both Departments. I am arranging to forward to the Deputy the complete role descriptions for the three positions to date.
