Vol. 573 No. 3
420 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the changes that have been made in his Department's plans, programmes, policies and spending arising from the publication of the Government's national spatial strategy. [25431/03]
My Department is responsible for national policy on arts, sport and tourism. National tourism policy is already firmly aligned with the tourism strategy set out in the national spatial strategy. My Department's policy on arts and sport contains a strong commitment to developing the national arts and sports infrastructure. The growing network of quality arts and sport facilities throughout the country in recent years is a testament to the practical nature of that commitment. I am delighted that the national spatial strategy has recognised the importance of the provision of a quality leisure infrastructure for dispersed development. Given that the policies of my Department and the national spatial strategy share a common commitment to improving regional infrastructure in the arts, sport and tourism sectors, there have not, to date, been changes in the plans, programmes, policies and spending of my Department consequent on the national spatial strategy. However, my Department will be looking at its policies and programmes over the next few months to see if there are any specific issues, either within its own remit or in the wider administration, which may need attention in order to allow it contribute most effectively to the implementation of the national spatial strategy.
