Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 9 Mar 1993

Vol. 427 No. 6

Written Answers. - Artistic and Cultural Achievements.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

18 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht whether artistic and cultural achievements to date are in keeping with the Programme for a Partnership Government 1993-1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltachta (Mr. M. Higgins)

I am happy to say that, in the short period since the Programme for a Partnership Government was negotiated, I have already taken the following important initiatives.

—I provided a grant of £11.5 million to the Arts Council which is an increase of 13 per cent over 1992;

—I have secured Government approval for the removal of the CAP on RTE's advertising and minutage and to provide for the independent television production sector;

—I have announced the immediate preparation of a White Paper on Film to be published within 12 months; and

—I have announced my intention to bring to Government proposals to establish a Board of Trustees for the National Museum.

The status given to the Arts in the Programme for a Partnership Government has already energised the arts community of the State, who have enthusiastically endorsed its broad parameters. I can assure the Deputy that it is my intention that the elements in the programme dealing with the Arts will be implemented in full over time.