Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 January 2013
121. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which it is intended to promote the various forms of the arts throughout the current year with particular reference to the utilisation of the Gathering as a means to promote the national image to generate employment and economic revival; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4806/13]
View answer125. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which he and his Department can identify, promote and support cultural events throughout the current year which might be of substantial economic benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4810/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 121 and 125 together.
The Government's policy on the arts is to promote and strengthen the arts in all its forms, to increase access to and participation in the arts and to make the arts an integral and valued part of our national life. I am continuing to work towards this goal with my Department and the agencies in its remit. The Programme for Government 2011-2016, along with my Department's Statement of Strategy, has the overall goal of promoting and developing Ireland's world-class artistic and creative strengths at home and abroad and of maximising their societal, economic and reputational value for the country.
As the Deputy will know, responsibility for the promotion of the arts at all levels throughout the country is primarily devolved to the Arts Council. Under the Arts Act 2003, the Arts Council is statutorily independent in its day-to-day operations and my Department has no role to play in its executive or funding decisions. The Arts Council is playing an ongoing key role in funding and developing arts events around the country during 2013. This will ensure that the visitors for The Gathering can experience excellent performances and exhibitions locally.
I would also refer the Deputy to my answer in the house earlier today in relation to my Department's role in The Gathering (ref Ref No: 4479/13). The Gathering affords an excellent opportunity to showcase our arts and all of our cultural institutions. My Department and the agencies under the aegis have been working on extensive programmes to support The Gathering for some time. That collaborative and supportive effort is continuing.
