Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 March 2022
294. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the timeframe for the next phase of the Creative Ireland Programme; the steps that will be taken in the development of the new phase of the programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10966/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn December 2016, a new all-of-government initiative entitled Clár Éire Ildánach/Creative Ireland Programme 2017-2022 was approved as a legacy project arising from the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme. The Programme has made significant progress to date to support each citizen realise their creative potential and to mainstream creativity into public policy across government departments through the Programme 2017-2022.
As the Programme approached 2022, a need emerged to provide clarity concerning its future to key Government Departments, Public Bodies including in particular Local Authorities, and key stakeholders and partners in the community and voluntary sector. The original pillars of the Programme were focused around young people, community, infrastructure, audiovisual production, and the global dimension. Early delivery occurred across a number of these (i.e., infrastructure, audiovisual production, and the global dimension). Key Departments and Agencies considered that significant scope remains for continuing implementation in relation to young people and communities in the years ahead. Similarly, there was a recognition of the benefits that arise from a focus on creative industries more broadly; enhanced collaboration and integration across the arts, healthcare and social care sectors; and enabling the cultural and creative sectors to support a more sustainable and inclusive society.
In February 2022, Government agreed in principle that Clár Éire Ildánach/Creative Ireland Programme will continue for a further five years encompassing the period 2023-2027 and will focus on the following pillars: Creative Youth; Creative Communities; Creative Industries; Creative Health and Wellbeing; and Creative Climate Action and Sustainability. This in-principle decision is intended to facilitate the development of the future Programme details through collaboration amongst departments, public bodies, and key stakeholders.
My Department is now commencing further more detailed discussions and consultations with key Departments and Agencies across each of the five priority areas to develop strategic objectives for the next phase of the programme. Wide-ranging consultations with key sectoral organisations and representative bodies including the Boards of Management and leadership of schools will also be undertaken by relevant Departments and Agencies, while a separate consultation for children and youth will be facilitated by Hub na nÓg.
As well as reflecting on the outcomes of evaluations and research undertaken or in progress as part of the current Programme, public consultations across communities in the 31 local authorities will also be undertaken to finalise individual Culture and Creativity Strategies 2023-2027.
A final more detailed framework for Clár Éire Ildánach/Creative Ireland Programme 2023-2027 is expected to be brought to Government for its agreement in Autumn 2022 prior to its publication, launch and implementation on an all-of-government basis.
