Vol. 395 No. 1
2 Mr. Dukes asked the Taoiseach whether he has any plans, in the context of the EC Presidency, to reinforce Community action in the sphere of arts and culture; and the implications, if any, which such plans would have for Ireland.
With the setting up in recent years of a Council of Ministers with responsibility for Culture, the European Community has created the framework for promoting and financing a programme of action in arts and culture. A meeting of this Council of Ministers will take place next May under our Presidency. There is also a Committee on Cultural Affairs at official level to advance the work of the Council. It meets in Brussels and, under our Presidency, will hold about five meetings.
The main elements in the current cultural programme relate to books and reading, training for the cultural sector and a range of ventures in the audio-visual sphere.
In relation to books and reading, schemes for a European Literary Prize and a scheme for a European Translation Prize have been put forward and these will be launched during the Irish Presidency. A pilot scheme for translation of literary works will also be advanced to the operative stage during our Presidency.
Work will also be advanced on a programme of co-operation between libraries in the Community and for the exchange of information and expertise in areas such as conservation of books, maps and manuscripts.
The Commission is preparing a survey of training in the cultural sphere. We hope to draw up during our Presidency a programme for Community action on training which could be of particular benefit to those working and seeking to work in these areas.
In the audio-visual sector, ten pilot projects under the title MEDIA '92 have been developed by the Commission aimed at encouraging and developing the audio visual sector in the Community. These include a scheme for film script awards in which Ireland is participating and schemes to assist the financing and marketing of films made in Europe.
The cultural programme generally will have relevance for Ireland. In addition, major capital works in the cultural sector in various parts of the country which have a significant tourism potential are currently being assessed for assistance from the EC Structural Funds.
I am also considering what initiatives it might be possible to take as regards cultural exchanges between Ireland and Community member states as well as in the developing relations between the Community and Central and Eastern Europe.
I think I would be right in concluding that the Taoiseach has no plans other than those which existed when the Government took over the Presidency to add anything to this. May I ask the Taoiseach if in advance of that meeting of Ministers in May the Government intend to introduce a new element into that package? I am grateful to the Taoiseach for reading out what I can get in documents from the Commission and Council, but can he tell us if anything new will be added between now and the end of the Presidency?
There will be a number of initiatives.
What are they likely to be?
In view of the Deputy's dismissive attitude about the whole thing, I do not feel like adding anything further at this stage.
The Taoiseach is speaking in a fit of pique. I understand that he feels a bit sensitive today for some reason as he did yesterday, but I think the pique probably hides the fact that he has nothing new to offer.
The Taoiseach would probably agree that one of the most important aspects of any culture is the language. Would he inform us, therefore, if he has any plans to place more prominence during the Presidency in the European context on the Irish language?
Sin ceist eile.
Very shortly, yes. The whole question of minority languages and cultures is being advanced and there are plans for a possible conference on minority languages and cultures.
On lines advanced by the Irish Presidency during 1984.
