Tógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimh. 7 agus Uimh. 21 le chéile.
My Department and An Chomhairle Ealaíon have very good relations with the Department of the Environment in relation to the arts, culture and heritage agenda and the role of local authorities in its promotion. An example of this relationship is the engagement by local authorities throughout the country of specialist arts officers whose salaries are funded 50 per cent by An Chomhairle Ealaíon and 50 per cent by the relevant local authority. In addition, An Chomhairle makes available programme grants to local authorities to supplement their own funds for the promotion of the arts. At present 20 local authorities avail of this programme.
I understand from An Chomhairle Ealaíon that it has requested three-year arts development plans from all local authorities and that when these plans have been received and assessed, it is hoped to enter into agreements with local authorities for arts promotion over the next number of years.
An Chomhairle Ealaíon also has close relations with Temple Bar Properties Limited, which is a public sector development operating under the auspices of the Department of the Environment and there is a number of cultural projects being developed by Temple Bar Properties Limited which have the support of An Chomhairle Ealaíon.
I wish to inform the Deputy that, in addition to the foregoing, my colleague the Minister for the Environment has recently written to me suggesting the establishment of a small group comprising our two Departments, Temple Bar Properties Limited and An Chomhairle Ealaíon to look into the 1 per cent capital scheme for artistic features currently administered by him. I welcome this approach from the Minister for the Environment and I propose to issue a favourable response in the matter shortly.
It is also important to say I am pleased that many of the new public facilities funded by the Department of the Environment and operated by local authorities allow for exhibition areas for the showing of visual arts. In particular, the growing role of county libraries in this regard is notable and acceptable.