Vol. 555 No. 5
107 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his legislative programme for the arts sector in the coming months; his proposals for the expansion of the arts and culture infrastructure; his plans to lend his full support to the third arts plan of the Arts Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19076/02]
The Arts Bill has just completed Second Stage in Dáil Éireann and will shortly go forward for Committee Stage.
Under the arts and culture capital enhancement support scheme, ACCESS 2001-2004, which is designed to lead to the provision of high-standard arts and culture infrastructure on a broad geographic basis, 44 projects have been offered a total of €45.71 million in grant aid from my Department.
Outside of this scheme there are nine other current arts infrastructural projects which have been offered grant aid of almost €10 million.
An Agreed Programme for Government contains the commitment to support implementation of the Arts Council's third arts plan. This will have to be done against the background of the less favourable economic environment.
Question No. 108 answered with Question No. 83.
