asked the Taoiseach the art forms and activities which are financially supported by the Arts Council; and if there are any plans to introduce amending legislation to widen the range of activities supported.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Activities Funded by Arts Council.
1.
The art forms and activities which are financially supported by the Arts Council are defined in the Arts Acts 1951 and 1973. Under these Acts, the expression "the arts" means painting, sculpture, architecture, music, drama, the cinema, literature, design in industry and the fine arts and applied arts generally. This definition is comprehensive and there does not appear to be any need to widen its scope.
I should like to thank the Taoiseach for his reply. I tabled the question because I am somewhat apprehensive that while the Arts Council, and the Acts which govern these activities, cater for what we might call "arty crafty" activities, some highly valuable trades which have a tremendous cultural value do not have anybody looking after them. The Taoiseach will recall that last week I put a question to him about thatching and the necessity for retaining thatched houses and I did so because I find that the trade of thatching is almost extinct, particularly in my area.
I am anxious to help the Deputy elicit information but we must have questions.
I find that the very valuable trade of wickerwork is also dying out. I would like to think that the Arts Council, or somebody in the State, would see to it that those trades are retained. Will the Taoiseach investigate this matter to see if what I am saying is correct because if it is it is rather alarming? In the past I found that State bodies, such as the IDA, were not very concerned about the retention of such crafts, or the creation of jobs from them. Will the Taoiseach make inquiries about this matter and inform me if there is a Government body responsible for the retention of these trades?
I agree with the Deputy about the importance of some of these old and traditional crafts and trades. However, the Crafts Council of Ireland have specific responsibility to look after crafts and that whole area. They are very active and very good. In fact, one of the best events of the year is the fair held in the RDS in Ballsbridge and organised by the Crafts Council of Ireland. There one can see on display some magnificent artistic products in the crafts area from all over Ireland. This matter is not entirely neglected. The Arts Council border on that area in a number of ways. However, as the Deputy suggests, I will have a look at this to make sure that these matters are attended to. I know exactly what he has in mind, such as the art of making lace and so on.
It is my experience that such arts are being neglected and are dying out. I should like to ask the Taoiseach to take the matter up with the Arts Council.
FÁS may also have a role to play in so far as trades are concerned.
I should like to ask the Taoiseach to take the initiative in asking them if these trades are being maintained.
The next five questions are Priority Questions and I shall need the co-operation of all concerned to dispose of them within the prescribed time.