Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 July 2023
131. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media what engagement her Department has had with an organisation (details supplied) in each of the years 2014 to date in 2023; for details of any funding provided by her Department to this organisation in each of the years from 2014 to date in 2023 and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34647/23]
View answerLeuven Institute of Ireland in Europe was established in 1984, on the former campus of the 17th-century Irish Franciscan college in Belgium. The college operates as an international residential centre for education, training and research in European and international affairs, in fulfilment of its mission to maximise promotion, positive exposure and opportunities for the island of Ireland.
Irish College Leuven devises, manages and hosts education and training programmes on behalf of a wide variety of organisations, including: higher education institutions, professional bodies, public sector bodies, voluntary and community associations. Fixed and customised programmes comprise lectures, colloquia, courses, seminars, conferences and workshops. In addition, the college organises and hosts cultural and artistic events from, and related to, the island of Ireland.
Drawn from business, higher education, the public sector, NGOs and cultural life, and coming from Belgium, the Republic of Ireland and both communities within Northern Ireland, members of the board have expertise and experience in sectors relating to the college’s day-to-day business and are commitment to its mission, culture, history and strategic importance.
The Irish College Leuven is registered in Belgium as the Leuven Institute for Ireland in Europe IVZW and it is a non-profit organisation that operates under Belgian regulatory requirements. A wholly autonomous institution, the Irish College Leuven welcomes opportunities to associate with and support the work of the Irish missions and promotional agencies in Belgium and Europe. Although aware of the work of the Institute over the years, my Department has not provided operational support nor programme funding in the period 2014 to 2023.
However, I would note my Department has provided support through Culture Ireland for EFACIS, the European Federation of Associations and Centres of Irish Studies, on a continuing basis in respect of the Irish Itinerary – bringing Irish writers, film and music to a range of locations via universities across Europe. EFACIS is registered as an international non-profit association under Belgian law which is based in the Irish College at Leuven.
