Vol. 568 No. 3
73 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the role his Department now plays in the development of the arts here; his plans to further assist the arts in 2003 and to develop the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16346/03]
Government funding for the arts is, in the main, channelled through the Arts Council, a State body operating under the aegis of my Department but independent in the context of individual funding decisions. The Arts Bill 2002 currently under consideration by the Oireachtas will, when enacted, recognise that there is now a Minister with responsibility for the arts who has a specific role in the development of arts policy. The Bill will, for the first time, give legislative protection to the "arms length" principle, which is the basis for the Arts Council's independence in disbursing its funds. My Department also gives financial assistance towards the capital costs of arts and culture facilities. For example, the ACCESS scheme, which is scheduled to run from 2001 to 2004, will make available €45.71 million to 44 projects on a broad geographic basis and will greatly increase general public access to arts facilities and enhance participation in arts activities.
