Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 July 2011
398 Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he plans to develop an accurate and comprehensive arts and culture statistical system to aid policy formation and analysis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22384/11]
View answerA range of statistics and information is available from the arts and film agencies coming within my Department's remit to assist in relevant policy development. Similarly, a range of statistics is available to the Directors of the cultural institutions under the aegis of my Department. These data are shared regularly with my Department and contribute to policy formulation. Indeed, much of the information in question is available on my Department's website and on the websites of the relevant agencies. My Department and the agencies under my remit are conscious of the constant need to review and improve the presentation of statistical information. I am also aware that there may be opportunities presented by new and emerging technology for information to be presented in a more timely and user-friendly way and it would be my intention to take advantage of these, where feasible.
