Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 February 2005
15 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has studied the ruling of the European Court of Justice of 16 January 2003 which ruled that preferential rates granted on the basis of the place of residence, even local, of visitors to cultural sites were discriminatory and hence incompatible with the EC treaty; the consequences of that ruling for Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5331/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 16 January 2003 the European Court of Justice censured Italy for having allowed advantageous rates for admission to cultural sites under municipal or decentralised control only for Italian nationals and persons resident within the territories of the authorities running them.
The national cultural institutions do not impose charges for admission to the national collections. On occasion a small charge is imposed in respect of special exhibitions that are held from time to time. On these occasions admission charges are not based on any residency requirements. Accordingly, the decision has no consequences for my Department or its agencies.
