Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In response to Senator Naughton’s question on the arts in education charter, the aim of the charter is to increase the number of artists in residence, conduct national art school initiatives, work with the cultural institutions educational departments, co-fund arts training for teacher training, build a best practice portal, and support the implementation committee. It has met 27 times to conduct hearings. I am very committed to the issue. In conjunction with the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Jan O’Sullivan, I met the committee chaired by Professor John Coolahan. We were both newly appointed as Ministers and we wanted to show our support for the arts in education charter.

I will provide an update on the European capital of culture. I intend to seek Government approval in the coming weeks for Ireland to exercise its right to submit a nomination for the European capital of culture for 2020. Subject to that I will issue an open invitation for interested cities to put forward their candidature for consideration. The designation of European capital of culture is much sought after and highly prized. It is one of the best known EU initiatives. A lead-in time of several years is required for application, development of the plan, selection process designation and preparation before the start of the capital of culture year.

I have met two different groups of families in connection with the Moore Street site. Both have very different views. One group is very supportive of the development of the project in Moore Street, and the other is against it. I am very clear about my job, which is to protect the monument, Nos. 14 to 17 Moore Street. The matter is before Dublin City Council. Reference was made to a legacy of arts projects in terms of commemorations. That will be part of the overall discussions with the Arts Council. We would like to have projects organised in conjunction with the commemoration of 2016.