Vol. 732 No. 1
27 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport in view of the significant contribution of the arts and cultural sectors to tourism here and the arts and cultural sectors' dependence on State funding, if he has investigated the possibility of creating a dialogue or ways of stimulating a new relationship between the arts and cultural sector and the private sector to help sustain funding. [10946/11]
I am acutely conscious of the value of the arts, culture and creative sectors to the tourism industry and of their overall potential as important contributors to sustainable economic recovery. Arising from the considerable level of investment and support provided by the State through Departments and their relevant agencies to the arts and culture areas, significant social, cultural and educative benefits have been brought to communities, large and small, around the country. As well as improving the overall fabric of our communities, such supports have acted as catalysts in driving the tourism potential and returns in every area of the country.
I am committed to developing culture and heritage as key drivers for Irish tourism, contributing, as they did, an estimated €2 billion to the Irish economy last year, with research showing that cultural visitors spend almost twice as much as city-break visitors. Furthermore, overseas visitors experience high levels of satisfaction with what Ireland has to offer. Almost four out of every five overseas visitors cite interesting history/culture as a motivation for choosing Ireland for a holiday, making it a viable area for the growth in visitor numbers and revenue.
Government policy on the arts will continue to be enabled and implemented through the agencies and institutions within my Department's ambit, namely the Arts Council, the Irish Film Board and Culture Ireland, as well as the cultural institutions.
Funding is provided by my Department and by these agencies for a number of cultural events, programmes and initiatives throughout the year, which are specifically aimed at promoting and highlighting our cultural heritage and cultural activities.
The Arts Council, for instance, is heavily involved in supporting the programming element of many festivals, small and large, throughout the country. Many of these events are also funded by Fáilte Ireland. As has been well documented, these events provide a vital and welcome opportunity to display and participate in the cultural and artistic talents of our communities and, equally importantly, provide stimulating unique attractions for our visitors to enjoy.
Additional information not given on the floor of the House.
For it is these artistic and other events, whether traditional music, art exhibitions, or a poetry festival, to mention but a few, that demonstrate our Irishness, our differences, and the reason we think visitors should come here.
Within my Department support is provided for Culture Night, when arts and cultural organisations throughout the country extend their opening hours to provide the public with increased free access to the various collections, workshops and other events hosted by the organisations. Another initiative launched by my Department, the cultural technology grant scheme, aims to use a variety of the best new and existing technology methods to deliver a promotional, educational or information product to promote the Irish arts, culture and creative sectors. Funding in excess of €1 million was provided under this scheme to 25 projects to showcase the best of our Irish art, music, culture and heritage in the most exciting, innovative and dynamic ways.
I welcome the Minister's reply and his commitment to the arts and culture. That is not in question. I note that the programme for Government commits the Government to working with stakeholders in the arts community to develop new proposals aimed at building private support for the arts in Ireland and exploring philanthropic sponsorship or endowment fund opportunities.
What steps has the Minister taken to end the arts sector's dependence on State funding? Will he consider engaging with the private sector on this matter? I urge the Minister to make this a priority.
Yesterday, the Government announced a jobs initiative, with particular focus on the tourism industry. Arts and culture play a hugely important role in tourism. How does the Minister think the Government's jobs initiative will boost the arts sector and attract investment for that sector?
The jobs initiative is very important in this area. Pay related social insurance and value added tax are major issues in paying staff at cultural and tourism attractions. I am convinced that the changes in PRSI and VAT will encourage more people to take on staff in cultural institutions and cultural attractions throughout the country. I can see the jobs initiative having a direct effect on the number of people employed in culture, attending cultural events and coming into the country.
If the travel tax issue is addressed this will bring more people into the country, as Mr. Michael O'Leary and others have promised. I hope these people will support our cultural institutions and attractions throughout the country.
What was proposed yesterday is positive with regard to cultural attractions and the arts. The arts should benefit from the initiative.
28 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport his plans to address the situation in which the Light House Cinema, Dublin 8, has been closed due to large increases in rent from the landlord. [10842/11]
The background of the State's involvement with the Light House Cinema goes back to February 2006, when the then Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism approved a capital grant of €1 million towards the development of the Light House Cinema in Smithfield, Dublin. Construction began on the project in March 2007 and it was officially opened in May 2008. The grant was provided for the fit-out costs of the project rather than the construction costs. Further State funding of €750,000 was provided for the project from the Cultural Cinema Consortium, which comprises the Irish Film Board and the Arts Council.
The State's investment in the Light House Cinema is protected through a legally registered charge on the property. This charge allows that in the event of the Light House Cinema ceasing to operate from the premises in Smithfield in the first five years of its operation, the Minister can choose either the repayment of the State grants or agree to allow another arthouse cinema or cultural cinema to occupy the building for the remainder of the lease so that the premises remains in use as an arthouse/cultural cinema centre.
The Cultural Cinema Consortium has further liens on the premises. As the cinema was opened in 2008, this five year agreement has a further two years to run.
On 15 April 2011, the High Court placed the Light House Cinema into involuntary liquidation and appointed a liquidator. On 27 April Mr. Neil Hughes of Hughes Blake was appointed receiver and manager by Bord Scannán na hEireann/the Irish Film Board and the Arts Council with the agreement of my Department. Following appropriate examination and analysis of the emerging situation, my Department will be advised by the Chief State Solicitor and the Attorney General on the best approach to take in conjunction with Bord Scannán na hEireann/the Irish Film Board and the Arts Council.
I understand that the receiver will seek expressions of interest in taking over the management and running of the Light House Cinema by placing advertisements in the national media.
It is regrettable that such a fine facility is currently closed, but I hope that a new tenant can be found to continue to operate the premises as an arthouse and cultural cinema centre. I am constrained in saying much more at this juncture.
The Light House Cinema added much to the cultural landscape of Dublin, providing an opportunity for small independent local and international film makers to air their works and cinema goers an opportunity to sample the wares of alternative productions. Closure of the cinema in April of this year marked a milestone in yet another false dawn for the people of Dublin's north inner city. Would the Minister agree that the story of the Light House Cinema is interwoven with the story of upward only rent reviews and the debacle that is NAMA?
The Light House Cinema was established, viable and sustainable, reporting its best box office receipts in the months leading up to its forced closure. Would the Minister agree that a lease signed in 2007 for an annual rent of €100,000 should not be doubled to €200,000 by 2010, in the middle of the worst recession in the history of the State? The legislation allowing upward only rent increases for commercial leases is absurd.
There is a danger of the Deputy's time expiring without the Minister having time to reply. I am trying to assist her in asking her to ask a question.
What will the Minister do to ensure the Smithfield area is promoted as a cultural quarter for Dublin's north side?
The agreement made with the operator and owner was that in year one, from May 2008, the rent was set at nil; in year two, from May 2009, it was set at €100,000; in year three, from May 2010, it was set at €200,000; in year four, from May 2011, it was set at €400,000; and in year five, from May 2012, it was set at €500,000. The owner entered into an agreement with the operator expecting this return but the operator was not in a position to provide the rent that had been agreed — that is the problem. The owner, in turn, appointed a liquidator, and the Department, with the Arts Council and the other interested bodies, appointed a receiver to protect the taxpayers' huge investment in this project.
At this stage, the receiver is seeking expressions of interest. There are some interested parties and the receiver is following up to ascertain whether this interest is real and to acquire an operator. It is in all our interests to ensure that this fine state-of-the-art facility continues to be in use and to serve the people, not only of Smithfield and surrounding areas but the people of Dublin and visitors to the country. I agree with the Deputy that the doors should be opened again in this fine facility which exists due to a large investment by the taxpayer.
The Minister has covered most of the questions. When will a new tenant be identified and put in place?
That will happen as soon as possible. The Deputy may be aware that I met Deputy Costello, who first raised the issue, and Deputy Donohoe just last week with a deputation of some of the interested parties. A discussion is ongoing and every effort is being made by all parties to try to resolve the issue.
29 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport in view of the statement in the programme for Government to develop a cultural plan for future commemorative events such as the centenary of the Easter Rising of 1916, if he will ensure that part of that plan will be protecting and preserving intact the historical site from the General Post Office to Moore Street, as requested by the Save 16 Moore Street Committee, extending national monument status to the entire Moore Street terrace, listing other buildings occupied by volunteers in their retreat from the GPO in order that the area will be a fitting historic and cultural quarter; and if he will commit to ensuring adequate funding for this and that the work will be under the direct supervision of the Director of the National Museum. [10944/11]
As the Deputy will be aware, the arrangements for national commemorative programmes are co-ordinated by the Department of the Taoiseach. Reflecting the strong interest of the Government, the Taoiseach wrote on 3 May seeking nominations from party leaders with a view to re-establishment of the all-party Oireachtas consultation group on centenary commemorations. As Minister responsible for arts, heritage and the Gaeltacht, I will chair the consultation group, which will offer a forum to consider the duration, scope and scale of an appropriate commemorative programme to cover the centenary anniversaries of a momentous period of our national history.
The national commemorative arrangements will reflect official consideration and consultation on an inclusive basis in the Oireachtas. I would also welcome proposals from voluntary bodies, community groups and the Irish people at home and abroad. I envisage a multi-annual programme extending in the first phase to 2016.
In regard to Moore Street, the position is that, in January 2007, the then Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government placed a preservation order on Nos. 14 to 17 under the National Monuments Acts. The order was made on the grounds that No. 16 Moore Street is a monument, the preservation of which is of national importance by reason of its historical significance as the site of the final council of war and final headquarters of the Provisional Government, which included five of the Proclamation signatories — Pearse, Connolly, Plunkett, Clarke and McDermott.
The purpose of the preservation order is to ensure the preservation of No. 16 Moore Street in the context of wider redevelopment proposals centred on the former Carlton Cinema site. To achieve this objective, the order also covers Nos. 14 to 17 Moore Street and includes the yards to the rear of Nos. 15 and 16 Moore Street, extending to Nos. 8 and 9 Moore Lane. The effect of the order is that works affecting these properties, including any excavation or ground disturbance within, around or in proximity to them, will require the prior written consent of the Minister. While the National Museum of Ireland does not have a role in supervision of such works, the Minister is statutorily obliged to consult the director of the Museum as part of the consent process.
The proposed development of the Carlton Cinema site, in accordance with the permission granted by An Bord Pleanála, envisages the retention of Nos. 14 to 17 Moore Street and, subject to ministerial consent under the National Monuments Acts, No. 16 Moore Street becoming a commemorative centre. Detailed proposals in this regard will need to be submitted to my Department for consideration and any works to be carried out will require my consent.
There are positives and negatives in the Minister's reply. I am from East Wall and I went to school in King's Inn Street, which is in the heart of the Moore Street area. As someone who loved history, I loved taking that walk every morning and knowing I was walking on the same streets that the men and women from the garrison in the GPO walked. We have lost enough of the buildings that were associated with the Rising.
I note in a previous reply the Minister referred to the number of cultural visitors to Ireland. Does he not think making that whole area, which is a battlefield site, a historic quarter of Dublin would be a good idea, given the way people visiting Prague, Budapest and elsewhere visit similar areas? I ask the Minister to include the whole area, including O'Rahilly Parade where the O'Rahilly made his last stand and the laneways the men and women walked down. All the houses on Moore Street should also be protected, not just three houses. When the men and women surrendered, they moved down to the end of the street, so the whole area is reeking of history, which previous Governments have completely ignored to facilitate the development of the Carlton Cinema.
As I pointed out to the Deputy, the decision was made on this issue by a previous Minister and by An Bord Pleanála. However, in the context of the 1916 commemoration and the consultative committee I am setting up, this will obviously be discussed. I have been contacted by a number of interested groups, which I hope to meet in the next few months. If anything can be done to answer the questions raised by the Deputy, I will do it. The committee on the 1916 commemoration will be very inclusive and will include those from all sides of the House and will seek views from interested bodies outside the House. Obviously, this will be a very important consideration given the various points outlined by the Deputy.
Will the Minister include the Save 16 Moore Street Committee in that? On a related point, while the Minister is very busy, on Tuesday, 24 May, we are having a tour of the battlefield with the relatives. It would be great if the Minister could join us and I know some Members of the Technical Group who would be delighted to have him along for that tour, which will really show off the places associated with the Rising.
I have no problem with that. If I have no other engagement, I would be delighted to join the Deputy.
30 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport his future proposals in relation to section 481 — film relief; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10947/11]
Primary responsibility for the support and promotion of film making in Ireland, in respect of the indigenous sector and inward productions, is a matter for the Irish Film Board. This agency is funded through my Department and is independent in its day-to-day operations.
My Department's operational role in supporting the film sector relates to the administration of elements of section 481 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. Under that provision, tax relief is allowed for investments in qualifying films, which involves the administration of certain elements of the scheme regarding satisfying cultural criteria. The types of film eligible for certification are feature film, television drama, creative documentary and animation. This scheme is kept under regular review in conjunction with the Irish Film Board and any enhancement necessary to retain or regain competitiveness is addressed and brought to the attention of the Minister for Finance, as appropriate. The scheme has now been extended to the end of 2015.
It is important to underline that the audiovisual sector makes a strong contribution in employment and economic terms. The Irish audiovisual sector was valued at €557.3 million in 2008, equivalent to 0.3% of GDP, and employs almost 7,000 people in about 570 companies. I am sure the Deputy appreciates that the benefits of film and television production in Ireland include not only job creation in the industry itself but also huge positive spin-off effects for promoting Ireland as a tourist destination and as an industrial location for all aspects of creative endeavour. Currently, I am finalising a five-year strategy for the sector and I propose to bring that strategy to Government in the near future.
I thank the Minister and welcome his commitment to retaining section 481 until 2015. Would he consider extending this tax relief to computer and video games and other forms of content creation? This is an enormous global industry with great potential and benefit for job creation.
I will certainly consider it and will suggest it to the Minister for Finance. I will publish a report shortly on the creative industry and although it will not deal directly with this issue it will obviously bring much attention to the entire sector. Section 481 has been very successful and has been replicated throughout the world. When we won major blockbusters to this country such as "Braveheart", the UK Government asked why the film companies located to Ireland. "Saving Private Ryan" was a great success and this continues with "The Tudors", "Camelot" and others such as "The Vikings" which will be made here shortly. We have done very well with section 481. Successive Governments have used this section very successfully and have adapted it to suit the competition. When other countries caught up with us we went ahead again by making the country an attractive location.
If relief were extended would it take away this effect and be too much of a loss to the Exchequer? That should be considered. However, the gaming industry is very topical and much mentioned. I will consider the issue and make a presentation to the Minister. If the Deputy has any ideas I would welcome them. The provision has been very successful. We lead the world in the number of films made in Ireland. This is something we have done well as a country and it should be recognised.
31 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Tourism; Culture and Sport in view of the achievement of a group of Irish teenagers being awarded the title Most Promising Young Artists, in the International Experimenta! Exhibition as part of Tailinn, Estonia’s programme as European City of Culture, if he will publish a policy in relation to young persons and the arts in the next 12 months in the context of reduced funding and resources; and if so, his plans to consult with the sector in relation to this policy. [10943/11]
I take this opportunity to congratulate this group of ten secondary school students from Kilkenny on winning this Most Promising Young Artists award. This project, curated I understand by County Sligo based arts practice, the Kids' Own publishing partnership, emerged a winner from 13 other European entries, as part of the Tallinn Capital of Culture programme in Estonia. This award represents the culmination of a series of initiatives, as well as imagination and commitment on the parts not only of the students but also of a number of agencies, artists and administrators in the youth and arts sectors.
I describe this as a culmination, as I understand the project originated from an artist-in-residence programme undertaken by the arts office in Kilkenny County Council. The artist engaged by the arts office undertook to work with this group of interested young people over a period of weeks, resulting in the production of this fine short-stop animation project. This outcome would have been satisfactory in itself, in that it allowed this set of students the opportunity to explore and develop their talents and produce a tangible result. However, as so often occurs within the arts sector, the project took on another life with its inclusion as part of the Irish entry to the Estonian Capital of Culture programme whereby the Kilkenny students became part of the 56-member party of young Irish people which formed the Irish exposition entry. Again I pay tribute to all those involved. Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí.
The Arts Council has developed and continues to implement its strategy and policies in relation to the engagement of and contribution by young people in the arts sector. The wider context for Arts Council support of young people, children and education in 2011-13 is set out in its strategic overview document, Developing the Arts in Ireland 2011-2013, produced last year.
Additional information not given on the floor of the House.
The Arts Council outlined its work in that document, setting out the key strategic principles that will inform its funding and other decisions, including in the area of young people and the arts over the next few years. This principle includes the provision of high quality arts experiences for young people, both in and out of school, as being an abiding concern of the Arts Council. The council is acutely aware of the high proportion of young people in our population and their developmental significance carries weight in its funding decisions and in its partnerships in the fields of arts-in-education, youth arts, and professional arts provision for young audiences. During 2011-13, the council will endeavour to make the arts more present in the lives of nearly 1 million young people, having regard to the available resources.
I am also anxious that the potential of the arts be recognised and nurtured in the formation of character, in the raising of self-esteem and in the enormous benefits to be derived for young people, now and into the future. In this regard, I will explore with the council, other interested agencies and my Government colleagues, ways of maximising the potential of the arts and other related areas to the benefit of our young people.
On a lighter note, I wish our young hopefuls, Jedward, every success in the Eurovision Song Contest in Dusseldorf this weekend.
Ar an gcéad dul síos ba mhaith liom mo chomhgairdeas a dhéanamh don Aire in a phost nua agus tá súil agam go mbeidh séábalta teacht go dtí Tiobraid Árann i rith an tsamhraidh. I am delighted with the Minister's answer. Does he intend to publish a policy within the next 12 months on young people and the arts in the context of reduced funding? I hope he will be able to do so. I am delighted there are two schools in the Visitors Gallery today, including the Presentation Convent in Kilmallock. Tá fáilte rompu go léir. These pupils are also very artistic and recently won some awards for their fashion show. I am delighted they are in the House.
A question, Deputy.
Does the Minister intend to have a consultation or to publish a policy document in the next 12 months in this regard? It is very important. Some Members heard speakers today discussing depression. In addition, opportunities may arise in regard to the Minister's two schemes.
I thank Deputy McGrath who obviously has an interest in this area. The Arts Council has a number of schemes and initiatives which I shall mention in brief, namely, the children's laureate or laureate na n-óg, the artists in schools schemes which is administered by the Arts Council and local authorities, the writers in schools schemes, administered by Poetry Ireland, the artists in work residencies scheme, administered with the National Youth Council of Ireland, the youth arts development award, with the National Youth Council of Ireland and the artists in the community scheme. There are a number of schemes directed at young people but we must do more. I have had discussions with the Minister for Education and Skills about promoting the arts in both primary and secondary schools. I am glad there are young people in the Visitors Gallery. If there is one thing young people can engage with it is the arts.
There is also a major concern about the syllabus for the leaving certificate. The reason not many young people take up art for the examination is that the syllabus is entirely outdated, having been in place since 1971. That must be examined with the aim of encouraging young people to take up art as a subject for the leaving certificate.
These are the two issues: the arts as a subject in schools young people would be encouraged to take and participation in the arts by young people for their enjoyment in schools but not as a subject.
I compliment the Minister and thank him for his interest in this topic. I look forward to engaging with him in the future.
