To ask the Minister for Communities to detail (i) any feedback or response has he received from Executive colleagues in relation to their support for a strategic approach to protect, support, and celebrate our culture, heritage, and the arts; and (ii) how this feedback will be communicated to the Assembly.

Given the scale and scope of the work undertaken by the sectors associated with the Heritage, Culture and Creativity programme I have invited Executive colleagues to nominate an official to join a cross-departmental group to consider those issues.

Since my Statement to the Assembly and my invitation to Executive colleagues on 3 July 2024, positive responses have been received from 5 Departments with details of nominated officials provided as requested. I anticipate that similar responses from the remaining 3 Departments will be forthcoming shortly.

In terms of engagement with the Assembly in relation to work under the Heritage, Culture and Creativity programme, I intend to follow the established processes associated with the development of policy initiatives.