asked the Minister for Education if he has any proposals to help the Irish people maintain and develop their cultural heritage relative to its positive contribution to the well-being of the members of various social groups.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Cultural Heritage.
42.
Mr. R. Burke
The aim of preserving and extending our national cultural heritage is basic to everything I undertake in my capacity as Minister for Education. To enumerate specific proposals in that regard might be to imply that the development of our native culture is something separate from the general intellectual and educational development of our people. This I would not concede because I consider that, for Irish people, there is what might be called an Irish dimension in practically every aspect of intellectual activity.
I would say, however, that I have high hopes that the two new courses at present in course of preparation for post-primary schools, in Gaeilge and in Irish studies, will stimulate in our young people a greater interest in and love for our cultural heritage in all its aspects.
One observation I would make. It might be inferred from this question that the preservation and enrichment of our cultural heritage is the responsibility of my Department solely. This is not so. Success in this regard will depend on the extent to which every organ and institution of our society and each individual citizen plays a full part.