Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Question Nos. 11 and 16 together.

I wish to reassure Deputies that the Government appreciates the importance of the arts, culture and creative industries to Irish society and to our economy. We are conscious not only of the role of the sector in providing vital opportunities for self-expression and participation but also of the economic potential of the arts and creative industries. We are determined to do our best to provide the conditions in which creative expression can flourish and are committed to enhancing access to the arts for people of all ages and income levels. My policy on the arts, culture and film sectors reflects Government policy in this area as set out in the programme for Government. This policy is to promote and strengthen the arts in all its forms, increase access to and participation in the arts, make the arts an integral and valued part of our national life and maximise the potential for cultural tourism.

I am committed to supporting the crucial constituent sectors of arts and culture and the Government will continue to fund those sectors within limited available financial resources. Decisions regarding funding, whether within my Department's Vote or on the part of other relevant Departments will, however, have to be taken in the context of the ongoing Estimates and budget preparation process and in the light of the target aggregate Exchequer savings to be achieved for 2011. I would like to acknowledge the concerns raised by the recent campaign for the arts and to affirm my commitment to maximising the position and status of the arts in society.

Unusually for protestors, I have to commend those who participated in the public display of arts activities on 17 September last. This was undertaken by the National Campaign for the Arts and even included many Members of this House. The campaign helped to highlight the value, importance, contribution and community reach of the arts not only to the economy and to our social life but also to raising the national spirit. The arts help to define what we are, both as a community and on the world stage. I intend to do everything in my power to build on the passion displayed by the campaign and to ensure the continued vitality of this sector.

I reiterate that the arts are important from both an economic and a social point of view and I will ensure that this importance is highlighted in the decisions which must be taken to determine the 2011 allocation for arts and culture. As Minister, I will put forward the strongest possible case that I can for the sector and advocate continuing State support for it.

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