Ivor Callely
Question:88 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the briefs given to the Arts Council; the interaction with the council and his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3253/96]
Written Answers. - Functions of the Arts Council.
An Chomhairle Ealaíon has statutory independence in the exercise of its functions by virtue of the Arts Acts, 1951 and 1973. Discussions are held with the council on a regular basis regarding the general thrust of its policies and the council makes detailed submissions from time to time to me in connection with its work, and especially when submitting its annual estimates of expenditure. An official from my Department attends council meetings as my observer, an arrangement which has proven valuable and is primarily designed to assist communication through the flow of information between my Department and the council.
Since 1994, I have assigned to the council a particular remit in regard to the assessment and the provision of advice on the funding requirements of the three national cultural institutions for contemporary arts — the Irish Museum of Modern Art, the National Concert Hall and the National Theatre Society.
The council, as an expert body, has a statutory obligation to advise me on artistic matters.