Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There is creativity in Tralee also and the people respect good performances. The important point is that all parts of the country can see a professional performance by a national cultural institution. I mentioned the Abbey Theatre because seeing a professional performance resonated in Tralee and Limerick and this is how it should be. The Arts Council took on the policy directive with regard to touring. I also gave a policy directive on having a national literature strategy, and the Arts Council is working on this. It has also taken up the challenge of philanthropy with a very creative approach.

The committee should invite the Arts Council to come before it as soon as possible, prior to it making its allocation, to put these issues to it. Legally I cannot give the Arts Council a direction on how it spends its money. I am trying to limit the reduction as much as I can within reason, taking into consideration every organisation and those who depend on our funding. As the Arts Council funds organisations throughout the country, it has a considerable effect on the arts in all communities.

From my travels throughout the country I agree with the Deputy that there is great energy in the performing and visual arts in communities. Every village and town has an arts group, with several such groups in some places. There are drama groups and music and singing clubs, and there is an amazing cultural movement, as Senator Ó Murchú would confirm. As a small example, there is a singing club in my village of Finuge. The rambling house there was the only one several years ago but now there are several in north Kerry. Much is happening which must be supported and encouraged.

The point with regard to town councils supporting local centres through the arts and culture capital enhancement support scheme, ACCESS, and previous programmes must be carefully considered in the change in structures.