Vol. 500 No. 7
346 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the level of interaction, if any, between her Department and the main performing arts examining bodies, for example, the Royal Irish Academy; the value of these interactions as forums for information exchange; the policy input which results from these exchanges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4786/99]
My Department has no functions in relation to the activities of performing arts examining bodies. Interaction with such bodies would appear in the main to be more appropriate to my colleague, the Minister for Education and Science.
The Deputy will be aware that I recently published Succeeding Better, an independent and extensive review of the arts plan 1995-98, copies of which are in the Oireachtas Library. As part of the review process, the consultants by way of newspaper advertisement invited submissions from all interested individuals and groups. I have forwarded a copy of the review to An Chomhairle Ealaíon with a request that it take the conclusions and recommendations of the report into consideration in the preparation of a new arts plan, which I understand is at an advanced stage and I expect will be submitted for my consideration in the near future.
347 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands her views on current or possible levels of cross-Border co-operation in the performing arts field; the advantages to rural Border regions of a targeted development plan for talented children at both novice and advanced level on a cross-Border basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4788/99]
The level of cross-Border co-operation in relation to artistic activity generally is already significant. An Chomhairle Ealaíon is the statutory body charged, inter alia, with the promotion of the practice of the arts here. An Chomhairle and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland have a long tradition of cross-Border co-operation. I would be fully supportive of both bodies in any initiatives they may develop to further increase the level of co-operation that already exists.
The Deputy will be aware that the preparation by An Chomhairle Ealaíon of a new arts plan is at an advanced stage. I expect that this plan, when submitted for my consideration, in setting out a strategy in relation to the development of the arts for the next number of years, will include proposals in relation to the continued development of arts activity with a cross-Border dimension.
