Vol. 459 No. 8
86 Mr. Kenneally asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the criteria laid down in his Department for evaluating and deciding on the disbursement of capital moneys; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19061/95]
In general, capital projects in my Department are in the first instance evaluated by reference to how they can contribute to the Government's core economic and social strategies for job creation and the elimination of social exclusion and regional imbalance so as to ensure access to all facets of the Irish language, our culture and heritage.
Individual projects are considered in regard to their potential to satisfy the cultural, social and economic needs of a given community. A further qualifying consideration is that funds will be available at least in the medium-term for operational purposes and to maintain the capital assets.
Under the cultural development incentive scheme 1994-99, which my Department is administering under the Operational Programme for Tourism, projects, while having a tourism potential, must also demonstrate a distinct and recognisable cultural aspect.
Likewise, projects being financed by moneys allocated for specific activities such as Gaeltacht schemes, heritage or cultural projects have to meet the specific requirements for each of those schemes pertaining to geographical location, local community support, additional funding from other sources and long-term sustainability.
