Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for his reply. I tabled Question No. 6 to ascertain the full extent of the Minister's commitment to his various areas of responsibility. I was particularly keen to get information about the arts, to which Deputy Deenihan referred in the context of a previous question. I have had difficulty getting such information in the past. I compliment the Minister on the work that has been done in the areas of sport and recreation. Such work was needed in my constituency as a result of the increases in population. Can the Minister indicate how he intends to promote the arts among young people and local communities? In many cases, local community groups, musical societies and drama societies in my constituency and in every other part of the country have no permanent base and have to make applications to the Arts Council for funding. The response they receive is that the resources are not there to meet the requirements. Will the Minister look favourably at developing communities in the satellite towns in the eastern region? Will he give recognition to those communities with a view to specific promotion of the arts? In view of the likely increase of the population in the future, will he specifically identify a programme whereby the development and provision of facilities for the arts can be promoted in a positive way? Can that be done through the Arts Council?

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