Desmond J. O'Malley
Question:16 Mr. O'Malley asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the changes, if any, he proposes to make for the further development of the 1 per cent scheme. [12584/97]
Other Questions. - Public Art Policy.
The Deputy will be aware that a public art research project has been carried out and that a report on the matter was submitted in July 1996 to me, the Minister for the Environment and the Minister of State at the Department of Finance with responsibility for the Office of Public Works. The implementation of public art policy as set out in the report has been under consideration by Departments with a view to bringing to Government proposals for the development of a more effective strategy in public art. I recently submitted proposals to the Government on this matter and the Government, at its meeting today, agreed those proposals.
Will the Minister outline the nature of the proposals agreed by the Government today? What changes are envisaged to this scheme? Will the Government make implementation of the scheme mandatory? Will it raise the ceiling, which is unrealistically low? What changes can we look forward to as a result of today's decision?
I will make an announcement on what was agreed. A number of invaluable changes will be made. The interdepartmental group enabled us to extend the scheme to all Departments. There are one or two areas where flexibility will apply in the implementation of the scheme because matters differ from one Department to another.
This is very specific.
In so far as this is my final answer to a Progressive Democrats question——
I am glad to hear the Minister admit that.
——I hope in the next week that party will reconcile its proposals for slashing public expenditure with regular demands during Question Time for increased public expenditure. I am very happy the public art scheme has been a matter of discussion for some time. It was submitted to Government by me and was agreed, and I believe it will be welcomed by all sides.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.