Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 January 2023
456. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide an update on the UNESCO action plan for the development of hurling and camogie; if her Department will support an application for Gaelic football and ladies football onto the national inventory of intangible heritage list; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1956/23]
View answerIreland is honoured to have Hurling inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Inscription on the Representative List raises awareness of the diversity of the world’s intangible cultural heritage and highlights the importance of safeguarding measures to protect and promote the cultural heritage practices inscribed.
In this regard, my Department is engaged with the GAA and the Camogie Association as the key bearers and practitioners of this indigenous ancient tradition to work with, and support them, on plans and initiatives to help ensure that hurling and camogie continue to thrive now and for generations to come. This includes information and guidance on the provisions of the UNESCO 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, as well as participation in meetings to plan future safeguarding measures for the game in line with the Convention requirements.
Having regard to an application for Gaelic football and Ladies Gaelic football to the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage, my Department accepts applications to the National Inventory on a rolling basis. Applications are reviewed by an Expert Advisory Committee to my Department comprised of representatives from relevant authorities such as the Arts Council, Heritage Council and local government heritage offices, as well as academia, practitioners and representatives from expert bodies. The Committee assesses applications and provides recommendations to me with regards to inscriptions on the National Inventory.
Officials in my Department are available to assist applicants with any technical queries they may have. The contact details, as well as instructions for completion, are on the application form which can be accessed here: nationalinventoryich.chg.gov.ie/app/uploads/2022/05/Application-Form-Inscription-on-National-Inventory-of-ICH.doc
