Jim Higgins
Question:41 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the measures, if any, he has initiated to encourage promotion of the arts among young people; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Promotion of the Arts.
I view the area of youth arts promotion as being of great significance. As the Deputy is aware the Programme for a Partnership Government requires that An Comhairle Ealaíon produce a co-ordinated 3-yearly plan and I will be keen to ensure that this plan takes full account of the importance of the issue.
In general terms I support the policies of An Comhairle Ealaíon in relation to youth arts and arts in the community. I particularly welcome the joint report of An Comhairle and the National Youth Council entitled "Making Youth Arts Work" and also the earlier ACE report "Art and the Ordinary". It is the positive and generous thinking contained in such reports that will inform my thinking and prompt my initiatives over the coming months and years.