Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 20 Nov 2002

Vol. 557 No. 5

Written Answers. - Designation of Circuses.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

173 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans to give recognition to circuses as an art form; if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties experienced by circuses in a changing and increasingly competitive world; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22959/02]

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Mr. O'Donoghue)

Government support for the arts is, in the main, delivered via the Arts Council, which operates independently of Government on a day-to-day basis. It is a matter for the council to judge how it views circuses in the context of the legislation under which it operates.