asked the Taoiseach if he will amend the legislation in relation to the Arts Council to allow Irish circuses to be grant aided by the Arts Council; and, if not, if he will introduce legislation to ensure that foreign circuses will be subjected to the following taxes and restrictions; (a) the lodgment of a deposit of not less than £150,000 with the Revenue Commissioners to be retained as a deposit against the non-payment of VAT or the non-payment of debts by circuses while in Ireland; (b) registration for VAT prior to opening to the public; (c) circus vehicles to be examined for road tax and insurance; (d) evidence of current public liability insurance cover to be exhibited; (e) 10 per cent of their takings to be divided between Irish circuses; (f) half the performers to be Irish between the months of November and the following March; and (g) no visiting circuses to be permitted to tour for more than two months.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Aids for Irish Circuses.
The legislation governing the Arts Council does not prevent the Council from giving aid to the circus. As I stated in the House last week, the Arts Council are independent in the administration of their grant and the question of granting aid to the circus is a matter for the Council.
With regard to the other points mentioned by the Deputy, the situation is under active consideration in the relevant Government Departments.
I am aware the Taoiseach answered questions on this subject last week and gave some hope legislation would be amended and that the Arts Council would be enabled to assist. I would like him to bear in mind those parts of the question (a), (b) and (c) dealing with registration for VAT and also insurance and tax on vehicles which would reduce the incidence of these circuses into this country.
I think we have given a firm undertaking to implement (c).
I understand circuses have not sought any financial assistance from the Arts Council but are asking the Taoiseach to introduce legislation to ensure the continuance of the circuses. As the Taoiseach is well aware, they have a proud record of service to the Irish people over the winter period and there is a great fear that both their livelihood and their art will disappear if the submission they have made to the Arts Council is not covered by legislation.
I fully subscribe to the view that the Irish circus fraternity have served the people very well and I think everybody appreciates the importance of preserving this special form of entertainment. There are of course difficulties, but I have already assured the House that the various suggestions and proposals put forward to alleviate these difficulties are being actively considered by the Government Departments concerned.