17 January 2000

MICHAEL MCGIMPSEY VISITS DUBLIN

Culture, Arts and Leisure Minister, Michael McGimpsey MLA, today paid his first official visit to Dublin to fulfil a number of engagements with Sile De Valera TD, the Minister for the Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands.

The Ministers’ business itinerary took in the National Museum, where they opened an exhibition of Irish clothing and jewellery - "The Way We Wore" - and the Irish Museum of Modern Art. They also attended a meeting held by the Arts Councils from both North and South and, at Minister De Valera’s Department, they discussed areas of possible co-operation within their own portfolios.

Speaking at the National Museum, Mr McGimpsey stressed the important social and economic role played by the cultural sector and added: "A rich culture is not only a testament to our past but also a symbol of hope and optimism for our future. It generates a vision which we can all share and through which we can celebrate our cultural diversity in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and respect."

Mr McGimpsey congratulated everyone involved in staging the exhibition which he described as "innovative and imaginative" and said: "Museums create an environment where our heritage can be experienced and appreciated by the entire community regardless of tradition or background.

"This is a time of great change and of great hope. We have a wonderful opportunity to strengthen cross-border relationships and I look forward to building on the start we have already made."