Michael Bell
Ceist:14 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the proposals she has to join the international network on cultural policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27140/01]
Other Questions. - Cultural Policy.
I understand that international network on cultural policy – INCP – is an informal forum which has a current membership of 45 countries. There is a core membership of nine countries known as the ministerial contact group which sets the agenda and steers the work of the network.
The idea of the INCP, which was established in 1998, was to create an informal international forum through which national Ministers for Culture could explore and discuss common policy issues. The stated aim of the INCP is to strengthen cultural policies to enable Governments, together with civil society, to create an environment that values diversity, creativity, accessibility and freedom.
It is not my intention at this stage to pursue an application for membership of the network. The value of membership is limited in that the network is not a legal or a decision making body. Attendance at the annual meetings is limited to 25 places. The nine members of the ministerial contact group are invited to attend while the host country, which I understand is South Africa for 2002, decides on which other members should be invited to attend. The ministerial contact group also meets once a year. Relevant papers relating to these meeting are published on the INCP website.
While I am not proposing that Ireland join the INCP at this time I intend to keep the matter under review.
I thank the Minister for her reply but I am somewhat disappointed by it. The Minister says she has no intention of joining the INCP at this time but will keep the matter under review.
Bille na Gaeilge is to be published in the new year while a multicultural Ireland is developing as more cultures are represented in Ireland than at any time in our history. The purpose of the INCP is to provide a forum for ministers and political leaders to meet informally and discuss cultural issues and, in an informal milieu, to develop policies in the area of cultural diversity. Is it proper that we are not represented by a Minister or Minister of State at appropriate meetings of a body of this nature?
This is not an appropriate time to pursue membership of the network. As I have said, it is not a legal or decision-making body. Its ethos is very positive in the sense that it promotes diversity, creativity, accessibility and freedom, to all of which we subscribe. However, the relevant papers relating to the annual meetings of the ministerial contact group are published on the INCP website so there is no question of not being able to access this kind of information. While the matter will be kept under review, at present there is no need to apply for membership.