Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 February 2022
254. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which she and her Department expect to promote Irish culture as a means to use national culture to promote the interests of Ireland at home and abroad in what will be a much more competitive market in the aftermath of Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10757/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland aims to increase its global impact through the promotion of Irish arts worldwide, in line with Government's Global Ireland 2025 initiative. Ireland's strong global reputation for creativity brings many benefits to our country including the encouraging of tourism, education and business interests. Representatives from Tourism Ireland, The Arts Council, Screen Ireland and the Department of Foreign Affairs serve on the Expert Advisory Committee of Culture Ireland and work to ensure that there is a joined up approach to maximise the outcomes from the promotion of Irish artists globally.
Culture Ireland has the primary responsibility for the promotion of Irish arts and artists globally and through its Grant Programmes and special initiatives Culture Ireland works to support the presentation of Irish artists to audiences worldwide. I am delighted that with the lifting of restrictions, I can once again support Irish artists to travel globally to present their work in person.
The upcoming St Patrick's Day period offers an exceptional opportunity to highlight Ireland on the world stage. In addition to Culture Ireland support for artists travelling, there is continuing support for artists to present their work virtually, reaching territories where Irish artists may not generally travel. Next week I will announce a special Culture Ireland programme, SEODA, which is a 5 day online festival of some of Ireland's Irish artists.
At home visitors to Ireland can experience the St Patrick's Festival in person this year as well as a wealth of arts and culture programmes delivered by our National Cultural Institutions and artists and arts organisations with increased funding to the Arts Council and the live performance sector.
I remain cognisant of the fact that the pandemic restrictions posed particular challenges for the arts and culture sector and for 2022 have put in place support of supports for the live entertainment sector in 2022 in addition to record funding for the Arts Council, ensuring Irish arts can be created for presentation nationally and internationally.
