Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 18 Dec 2003

Vol. 577 No. 5

Written Answers. - Departmental Strategy Statements.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

28 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the extent to which he formulates policy for, through or with the various organisations under his aegis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31637/03]

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

Government policy for my Department is articulated in the Programme for Government and the key goals and objectives aimed at delivering this policy are set out in my Department's statement of strategy 2003-2005, which is available on my Department's website.

The agencies under the aegis of my Department, in turn, develop, in the context of the roll out of the SMI-public sector modernisation process, their own goals, objectives and programmes to implement Government policy.

I have since coming into office, taken a number of major initiatives such as the enactment of the Arts Act 2003 and the National Tourism Development Authority Act 2003 which included reviewing and redefining the role of and the relationship with my Department of the Arts Council and the new Fáilte Ireland in the implementation and evaluation of policy in their areas.

I meet on a regular basis with the chairs and chief executive officers of the agencies under the aegis of my Department to discuss and review policy matters including the implementation of their goals and objectives.

Question No. 29 answered with Question No. 14.

Question No. 30 answered with Question No. 7.

Question No. 31 answered with Question No. 13.