I propose to take Questions Nos. 237 and 238 together.
I refer the Deputy to my answers in this House previously to this question and in particular to the policy as outlined in replies to Questions Nos. 114, 218 and 220 [2407/09, 2680/09 and 2682/09] answered together on 28 January 2009; Question No. 101 [16413/09] of 28 April 2009 and Question No. 184 [23816] of 16 June 2009 last.
Government Policy on the Arts is set out in the Programme for Government and further elaborated in my Department's Statement of Strategy. My policy on the arts is to promote and strengthen the arts in all its forms, increase access to and participation in the arts, and make the arts an integral and valued part of our national life.
It is my aim to continue to implement this policy directly through my own Department and to support the Arts Council in its role, working within the financial and other resources available to me, into the future.