The current 1 per cent scheme referred to by the Deputy in her question refers to construction projects of local authorities. There is no doubt that the 1 per cent art scheme has made an important contribution to the provision of public works of art and I wholeheartedly endorse the objectives of the scheme. It has been beneficial in creating work for artists and it has also been beneficial to the public in general in that many public works such as roads, bridges, fire stations, libraries, and other public buildings have been enhanced by specially commissioned works of art.
Responsibility for this scheme as it applies to local authorities rests with the Minister for the Environment. The scheme currently operates on a voluntary basis, but the Deputy will be aware that the Programme for a Partnership Government provides that local authorities will be required to spend 1 per cent of their budget for capital projects on artistic embellishment; that an arts dimension will be incorporated into every Government building project; that there will be changes in our planning laws which will require incorporation of an arts dimension to different categories of buildings; and that where private sector projects not falling into the categories above benefit from significant tax advantages there shall be a similar requirement. I am happy to give the Deputy an assurance that, in consultation with my colleague the Minister for the Enviroment, I propose to ensure that these commitments in the programme will be met.
I am satisfied that these measures will lead to major improvements in the provision of works of art throughout the regions and will contribute significantly to the improvement of our environment and to the development of the artistic life of our country.
