Frances Fitzgerald
Question:76 Ms F. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the reason he did not appoint a representative from Northern Ireland to the Arts Council.
Written Answers. - Arts Council Representation.
Section (2) of the Arts Act, 1973 stipulates that: In the selection of persons for appointment to membership of the council regard shall be had to: (a) the persons attainments or interest in his-her knowledge of the arts, or his-her competence otherwise to assist the council; (b) securing a balanced representative as between branches of the arts. It was on this basis that the current council was appointed and there is absolutely no significance in the fact that none of those appointed hailed from Northern Ireland. I should stress that there is the highest level of co-operation between the two Arts Councils and that I will be keen to ensure that their excellent relationship is strengthened and developed.