Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 9 together.

Government policy on the arts is set out in the programme for Government and elaborated further in my Department's statement of strategy and my recently published arts and culture plan 2008. One of the stated objectives of this policy is to encourage and support the strategic development of the arts in geographic communities and communities of interest for the disadvantaged and for minority groups. My policy is to promote and strengthen the arts in all its forms, increase access and participation and make the arts an integral and valued part of our national life. Consequently, all funding allocated by my Department to the arts is aimed at, inter alia, addressing the issues of cultural participation, access and social inclusion.

Provision is made within the annual funding allocations to the national cultural institutions for education and outreach programmes, which are a key element in addressing and promoting accessibility for all sectors of society. Within these institutions, education and outreach programmes are aimed particularly at disadvantaged sections of society. The institutions are also actively engaged in promoting accessibility through primary and secondary school programmes, in many cases targeting schools designated as disadvantaged.

My Department and the agencies under its remit are also considering the recent ESRI report, In the Frame or Out of the Picture: a Statistical Analysis of Public Involvement in the Arts, in the context of the accessibility question. In September 2007 I announced proposals for more flexible opening hours in the national cultural institutions, and especially the national museums and galleries, to reflect the changed lifestyles of those who wish to visit. I am particularly anxious to extend Sunday opening hours and to arrange for late openings at least one night per week. The funding allocated to the national cultural institutions for 2008 includes additional funding to facilitate these extended opening hours. Significant progress is being made on this issue and Sunday opening will be in place at the main institutions, with the exception of the National Library, from this May.

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