Vol. 415 No. 9
17 Mr. McCartan asked the Taoiseach if he has considered the recently launched and published report entitled The Dublin Arts Report; if he will be making any response to the proposals contained in the report and requiring Government support; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Dublin Arts Report, to which the Deputy refers, was published as recently as 7 February last. It was commissioned by the Dublin Promotions Organisation Limited, who, together with Dublin Corporation, Dublin County Council and the Arts Council, provided financial and other support for the compilation of the report. All four bodies were represented on the working group which oversaw the preparation of the report. The report is, therefore, a matter for detailed consideration in the first instance by the agencies which commissioned it and I understand that they have not yet formally examined the report's proposals. In these circumstances, it would be premature for me to comment at this stage.
First, I welcome the Minister of State to his new responsibilities and wish him well. I commend the publication of the report. Whilst one would not expect a comment from the Minister of State at this stage, could he at least give a commitment that his Department will give active consideration to and support for the major provisions in the report? I am sure the Minister of State would realise that the report makes profound recommendations for the development of the arts, particularly in Dublin County Council area, which he represents. I ask the Minister to give a commitment that his Department will consider and give practical support to the provisions when that support is sought.
I have my copy of the report, which I received as a member of the Dublin County Council. Deputy McCartan is also a member of the Dublin Corporation culture committee, so I have no doubt that he also has a copy. I agree with Deputy McCartan that the document is very lengthy. Much detailed work was carried out by The Dublin Arts Report working group, and I commend them for the detailed work. The report is very informative on living arts as an essential element of the life of Dublin and its citizens.
Ninety recommendations are made. From the perspective of Dublin County Council, there is, for example, the recommendation for the establishment of an arts committee and a cultural action plan for the Dublin area. At this early stage in my Department I wish to give my total support for local initiative in relation to arts. This is best dealt with at local level.
As I said, four bodies commissioned this work. In the interests of democracy, I should wait until I hear of the deliberations of those four agencies — which include Deputy McCartan's committee — and then make a detailed response. That would be premature at this stage, but the Deputy may be sure of my continued interest.
