Regional Development, Rural Affairs, Arts & the Gaeltacht Committee to discuss national cultural policy Éire Ildánach

Cathaoirleach of the Committee Peadar Tóibín said: “In July the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather Humphreys TD published the draft Framework Policy for the State’s first ever national cultural policy, Éire Ildánach/Culture 2025.

“Ireland has a remarkable cultural history and a vibrant cultural life at a local and national level. Whether it is art, music, dance, theatre, film, writing, poetry, history or architecture, it is important that we recognise the huge value of culture and arts to our society and that we ensure our culture is promoted and made accessible to all.

“The draft policy, which sets out a series of measures for implementation across Government and public bodies to promote culture and participation in the arts, was submitted to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Regional Development, Rural Affairs, Arts and the Gaeltacht for our input and consideration.

“Tomorrow we will begin our consideration of the draft framework policy and this meetings provides an opportunity for members to examine it in detail, contribute to the policy in a meaningful way and provide their ideas and input into the process.”

Representatives from the Association of Artists’ Representatives Organisation, the National Campaign for the Arts and Screen Producers Ireland will attend the meeting.

The Committee will also carry out scrutiny of EU legislative proposals:

Schedule A: COM(2016)400 - Proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Decision No 445/2014/EU establishing a Union action for the European Capitals of Culture for the years 2020 to 2033; and

Schedule B: COM (2016)437 – Proposal for a Council Decision establishing the position to be adopted on the European Union’s behalf with regard certain proposals submitted to the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP 17) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), Johannesburg, South Africa, 24 September – 5 October 2016.

This meeting will start at 2.15pm, tomorrow, Wednesday in Committee Room 1, Leinster House. Committee proceedings can be viewed live here.

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the move, through the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.

ENDS