Síle de Valera
Question:18 Miss de Valera asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht if he proposes to implement a code of practice for the commissioning or purchase of public art. [21069/96]
Priority Questions. - Public Art Code.
To date my Department has had no function in the implementation of public art policy. The Deputy will be aware that a 1 per cent for art scheme operates through the Department of the Environment and the Office of Public Works.
Arising from consultations I had with the Minister for the Environment on the 1 per cent arts scheme, a public art research project was initiated in December, 1994.
A steering committee to oversee, monitor and advance the project was established under the chair of the Department of the Environment comprising a representative from my Department in addition to representation from An Chomhairle Ealaíon, Temple Bar Properties and the Office of Public Works.
The steering committee submitted its final report to the Minister for the Environment, to me and to the Minister of State at the Department of Finance with responsibility for the Office of Public Works in July last.
The report from the steering committee is now under consideration with a view to bringing to Government proposals for the development of a more effective strategy in public art.
We have had further delays on this issue. Delays seem to be on the agenda in politics recently. The report the Minister mentioned was promised in December 1995 and we are still waiting for it. What is the delay regarding this report? I raised the matter on Question Time some months ago.
Will the Minister agree that the open submission should recommend the means of selection of public art to ensure fairness and the highest possible standards? This matter affects the public and they should know the Minister's views on it.
I will make my views known to the public without any undue delay. The steering group established in late 1994, appointed the Public Art Developments Trust consultants to carry out a survey. They began work in June 1995 and submitted their report in March 1996. The report was submitted to the Minister for the Environment, me and the Minister of State at the Department of Finance in July. I intend to take up the specific proposals of the steering group on the best possible implementation, with flexibility, of the "1 per cent" scheme. It also dealt with the development of a national approach to public art and areas where there might be a pooling of resources. I will incorporate all these matters in my response.
Will the Minister agree that the Association of Artists In Ireland, the Sculptors' Society of Ireland Limited and the Arts Council should be contacted earlier in the selection process? Will he also agree that projects should be put on public display before a decision is taken on them?
The organisations concerned will have an opportunity to make proposals, which are always welcome.
How soon can we expect the Minister's definitive reply to these questions by way of statement?
There will be no undue delay. I am working on a number of Bills at present but I will try to respond as quickly as possible. Ideally I would like to respond before the end of the year.
Will the Minister respond before the next election?
The Deputy has more time at her disposal than me but whether she uses it properly is another matter.