Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 Nov 1995

Vol. 458 No. 8

Written Answers. - Local Arts Participation.

Austin Deasy

Question:

45 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht if he will endeavour to make the workings of his Department, the Arts Council and the Heritage Council more relevant to local communities around the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17788/95]

Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht (Mr. M. Higgins)

Since my initial appointment as Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht in January 1993, it has been one of my guiding principles to ensure that the workings of my Department be as relevant as possible to local communities and, indeed, I believe that the precepts of participation, access and consultation have been to the fore in all the initiatives which I have promoted during that time. This I feel has been particularly evident in a number of areas within my Department's remit, including the arts, heritage and broadcasting sectors.

The functions of An Chomhairle Ealaíon, which is an independent statutory body, are set out in the Arts Acts, 1951 and 1973. The functions are to:

(a) stimulate public interest in the arts;

(b) promote the knowledge, appreciation and practice of the arts;

(c) assist in approving the standards of the arts;

(d) organise or assist in the organising of exhibitions (within or without the State) of works of art and artistic craftsmanship.

I believe that the functions of An Chomhairle as set out in the Arts Acts make it fully relevant to all sections of the community and I have no plans to amend the legislation in this regard.

I should also point out that "The Arts Plan 1995-1997", published recently by An Chomhairle Ealaíon, sets access and participation as one of its strategic objectives. It is the aim of An Chomhairle to encourage real participation in the arts in terms of availability and access, with particular reference to young people, children and people with disabilities and taking account of social as well as geographical barriers. I will continue to work with An Chomhairle to ensure that this and all of the other strategic objectives of the plan are met.

The Heritage Council is an independent statutory body established under the Heritage Act, 1995. Under section 6 of that Act, the council is required to co-operate with public authorities, educational bodies and other organisations and persons in the promotion of the functions of the council. It is also empowered to provide assistance and advice to any person or body, including a public authority, in respect of any matter related to the identification, protection, preservation and enhancement of the national heritage. I believe that these functions make the council fully relevant to local communities.