John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)

I extend my thanks to the representatives of all strands of the NESF, that is, the Oireachtas Members, namely, Deputies Deenihan and McManus and Senator Mooney, together with the social partners, Departments and agencies, for their tremendous work in compiling this report. It goes without saying that people have not had equality of access to the arts in Ireland since the foundation of the State. I would go so far as to suggest that sponsorship of the arts is a relatively modern phenomenon and that this may be the first Irish generation with the monetary capacity to engage in meaningful sponsorship of the arts. I strongly believe the arts have a critical role to play in enlivening, invigorating and distinguishing our society, locally, nationally and internationally, and that Ireland's future economic social and cultural success requires that appropriate priority be given to the nation's creative and artistic constituents.

In that respect, I believe the Government has made considerable progress due to increased funding for the arts and that programmes such as ACCESS I have been extremely successful. I recently announced the establishment of ACCESS II and applications are being considered at present. This will permit the continued creation of facilities for the arts nationwide in order that people may give expression to their creative talents.

Digitisation is extremely important and I am pleased the national development plan provides for it as I campaigned for it long and hard. For example, we will be able to make available the treasures in the National Library to every school and pupil in Ireland, thus enabling them to engage with the treasures held in the National Library. Progressive digitisation will enable us to spread the arts across the nation in order that people will be able to participate irrespective of their socio-economic background, which is important.

Continued investment by local authorities in tandem with the Arts Council in local areas is of immense importance. While I do not for a moment pretend that all has been resolved in respect of participation, enormous ground has been made in a relatively short time and I do not doubt that the seeds sown will bear further fruit in years to come.

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