One of the clearest changes brought about by the new arts legislation is the role of the Minister in the promotion abroad of Irish culture. The fact that the programme of arts events to mark our EU presidency and celebrate the accession of the 10 new member-states has been developed, and made a funding priority, within the Minister's department gives a sense of the new importance of culture as a tool of our diplomacy.
Along with politics and trade, cultural relations is the essential third dimension in the relationships between states. The financial support provided for organisations like the British Council, Alliance Francaise and the Goethe Institute underlines the importance of culture within the general foreign policy framework of the countries involved. Twenty-five per cent of the budget of the German Ministry of Foreign Relations is allocated to cultural matters.
When the Cultural Relations Committee (CRC) - the main funding source for promoting Irish art abroad - was moved from the Department of Foreign Affairs to Arts in 2002, it was evident that change was on the way. The updating of the ways and means by which we initiate and develop cultural ties is probably overdue. Heretofore, the CRC has served this purpose well but in a limited way and without the kind of coherent policy guidance or budgetary development that is now essential.
The strategic use of our cultural accomplishments can have a hugely beneficial ambassadorial role in creating a positive image of contemporary Ireland. This has been the case in recent years with the L'Imaginaire Irlandaise festival in France and Expo 2000 in Hanover. The cultural exchanges between this State and our new European partners is not the only co-operation in this area in 2004: the festival of Irish art in China is due in May.
One of the events promised for Dublin is a major rock-concert in O'Connell Street. The main thoroughfare of our capital city will also be the venue for the Joycean breakfast for 10,000 people. While both events will, no doubt, bring some welcome fun, what the street needs most of all is completion of the long-promised refurbishment.
It is after all also part of our cultural heritage too and a magnet for visitors. Given its significance in our history, its place as the focal point of our capital, the way it has been allowed to degenerate into a ramshackle street of neon and tacky shopfronts continues to be a national disgrace. Surely the most fitting cultural contribution to its revitalisation would be the relocation of our National Theatre to stand as a centrepiece in O'Connell Street.