Vol. 427 No. 6
44 Mr. Cox asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht his views on whether further appointments to the Arts Council should reflect the strength and the potential of the regions; and if so, if he will make appointments accordingly.
Section 2 (2) of the Arts Act, 1973 stipulates that in the selection of persons for appointment to membership of the Council, regard should be had to: (a) the previous attainments, interests in or knowledge of the arts, or a person competence otherwise to assist the Council; (b) securing a balanced representation as between branches of the Arts.
Although this provision in the 1973 Act does not address the question of balanced representation in the regions, I am happy to assure the Deputy that, when I appoint a new Council later this year, I will have regard to this important consideration.
