Vol. 560 No. 2
64 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties currently faced by the operators of Fossetts Circus; if his attention has been further drawn to the threat to circuses arising from dramatically increased overheads; the policy initiatives which might be of assistance in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2244/03]
65 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his policy towards the protection of circuses as an art form; if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing pressures on the industry arising from increased costs; if he will directly or through the Arts Council investigate the best possible means of ensuring the continuation of this particular aspect of the entertainment industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2245/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 64 and 65 together.
When I met representatives of the circus late last year, they made me aware of their financial difficulties. On that occasion, I was able to indicate my intention to modify the definition of "the arts" included in the Arts Bill currently before the Oireachtas to specifically include a reference to "circus." However, State funding for the arts, including circus, is in the main channelled through the Arts Council, which is independent of Government regarding the disbursement of its funds. I have no discretionary funds at my disposal.
