Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2023
423. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the degree to which she expects to develop the image of Irish culture and heritage locations as a means of positive and lucrative promotion of the country internationally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35549/23]
View answerCulture Ireland, a Division within my Department, is responsible for the promotion of Irish arts worldwide through specific grant programmes and various special initiatives. Culture Ireland creates new opportunities for Irish artists and organisations to present their work globally through showcasing artists at key global arts events, including the Edinburgh Festivals and the Venice Biennales. It also supports the presentation of outstanding Irish work to international audiences through a regular grant programme.
My Department also has responsibility for safeguarding elements of Ireland’s rich cultural heritage including our arts and culture, our sports and Gaeltacht communities. In that regard, in 2015 Ireland ratified the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Since 2017, our practices of Uilleann Piping, Hurling, Irish Harping and Falconry have been recognised by UNESCO and inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and we have also submitted a multinational application for drystone construction in Ireland (along with Andorra, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg) to join the existing multinational inscription on the UNESCO Representative List.
My Department has developed a National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage where 38 practices have been inscribed. This work by my Department, in close cooperation with the communities concerned and with international partners, strengthens awareness raising and supports the safeguarding of our rich and diverse cultural heritage.
As the Deputy is aware, my Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national tourism policy and implementation of that policy is a matter for the tourism agencies, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, as well as certain other bodies.
Tourism Ireland is responsible for marketing the island of Ireland overseas as a leading holiday destination. The portrayal of Irish culture and heritage locations in Tourism Ireland's marketing communications overseas can play an important role in helping potential visitors to envisage and appreciate some of the unique aspects of a holiday on the island of Ireland.
Tourism Ireland is an active member of Culture Ireland’s Expert Advisory Committee and highlights the island of Ireland’s rich and diverse culture and unique sporting traditions through its programme of promotions across more than 20 markets around the world (including digital and social media marketing, online and traditional publicity, media and travel trade familiarisation programmes).
As the matter raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Tourism Ireland, I have referred the Deputy's question to Tourism Ireland for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.
