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

As the Deputy is aware, the report of the National Economic and Social Forum into the arts, cultural inclusion and social cohesion was published in January 2007 and was based on information collected on the situation in Ireland in the years before that date. At the time I was a member of the project team that worked on this report. It was a worthwhile document, bringing forward as it did a number of interesting and thought-provoking conclusions and recommendations.

The report presented an evaluation of the status of the sector at that time and its role in the changing and varying social and cultural landscape. It should be clearly understood that the conclusions and recommendations in the report were of their time. At that time, conditions in Ireland were very different to what they are today where human and financial resources are much scarcer than they were then. In that context, with my officials, I intend to revisit the report's findings.

In its examination, the report recognised that a significant degree of noteworthy activity was taking place in the arts sector, much of which was State-supported. It highlighted the need for the delivery of a high-level service in the arts and culture sector in a strategic, appropriate, co-ordinated and open manner. The report also set out actions to support broader participation in the arts and made recommendations on creating a more inclusive and cohesive society.

Despite the very significant reduction in resources since 2007, I am of the view that, even in the absence of a formal implementation mechanism for the report, progress was made in certain areas covered by its remit. For instance, there are now much improved numbers and levels of contacts among the network of local arts officers throughout the State, supported by the mainstream local authority structure and the Arts Council. In addition, I would point to the considerable improvements in the digital technology areas which helped to make much of our population more aware of the opportunities for participation in the arts and culture sectors. An example of this is Culturefox, an applications and mobile website funded by my Department and developed by the Arts Council. Anyone with a smartphone need only put it on, and they can see at a glance all the cultural events going on around them in their own areas.

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