Vol. 461 No. 5
31 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the proposals, if any, he has to further increase arts linkages between the Republic and Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3206/96]
There already exists considerable links between arts organisations on both sides of the Border. An Chomhairle Ealaíon and the Northern Ireland Arts Council have held joint meetings since the mid 1970's. Following on a meeting between myself and Michael Ancram, Minister of State for Political Development, Education and Community Relations in Northern Ireland in December, 1993, the two councils established a joint committee comprising the two chairmen, two ordinary members and the two directors. This committee meets two or three times a year in addition to the annual joint meeting of the councils to consider areas in which co-operation can be increased. An arts co-operation officer post co-funded by both councils was established in September, 1995. At present, the principal remit of this officer is to encourage North-South touring by arts organisations and to bring proposals to both councils as to how this activity can be increased. The fruits of this initiative will not be fully evident until later this year. There is also a position of European Affairs Officer which is jointly funded by both councils and whose remit is to maximise interaction between arts organisation on both sides of the Border and EU activities in this area.
