1489. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if his Department will work with organisations (details supplied) and others in order to include road bowling on the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55343/26]

In December 2015, Ireland ratified the UNESCO 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which aims to safeguard, appreciate and raise awareness of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) while also providing for international cooperation and assistance in this area.

As required under the Convention, Ireland maintains a National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage, which recognises 42 intangible cultural heritage practices from communities around the country. The 42 practices now on the Inventory are published and available at www.//nationalinventoryich.ccs.gov.ie/national-inventory/

The Department of Culture, Communications and Sports accepts applications from practices that would like to be added to the National Inventory. In line with the Convention, applications should be made by relevant practitioners of the cultural heritage element seeking inscription. All applications are then assessed by an Expert Advisory Committee on Intangible Cultural Heritage, which makes recommendations to the Minister for decision. To date, my Department has not received an application seeking the inscription of road bowling.

The formal process for inscription on Ireland's National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage therefore requires an application or expression of interest to be made to my Department. Details on how to apply can be found at: www.//nationalinventoryich.ccs.gov.ie/national-inventory/. Officials in my Department are available to answer any queries applicants may have in relation to the application process by emailing nationalich@ccs.gov.ie, and would welcome the opportunity to discuss the process with the organisation referred to by the Deputy.

Cultural practices included on Ireland’s National Inventory may also seek international recognition on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Culture of Humanity, to which the state can make a maximum of one application per year. This two-step process is required under UNESCO criteria. To date, Ireland has had five elements of our living heritage inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity: Uilleann Piping, Hurling, Irish Harping, Falconry, and Dry Stone Construction. A further application has been submitted by the State and is currently under assessment by UNESCO.