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

I thank Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy for raising the matter on the Adjournment. I am very much aware of her commitment to and interest in the development of the arts in County Offaly.

As Minister responsible for the arts and culture sectors I am acutely aware of the necessity to secure the best possible funding provisions for those sectors. I assure the Deputy that I am passionately committed to working towards that objective. In the debate relating to the implementation of the programme for Government, I explained that it is the Government's intention to make the arts and culture part of our "primary script". It will become a central essential part of the narrative about the character of a new, different, changed and better Ireland. It will therefore no longer be regarded as a discretionary activity.

To survive, grow and prosper as a country, we must look to the talent and ability of the people. The ability to innovate, think afresh and to be creative must be nurtured and encouraged. I am convinced that vitality in arts and culture induces vitality in a country. That vitality is realised through the process of stimulation through works of art - such as in music, plays, books and films - and design, such as in architecture and in crafts. All facilitate a country's capacity to be reflective, interested, and bold.

Recognition of the role of the arts and cultural activity can be seen in the investments made in the sector. In the five year period 2007-11, a total of €865 million was spent on arts, culture and film as well as an additional €54 million on the National Gallery. I am fully aware of the difficulties facing all of those involved in those areas and the tremendous work they have done in maximising their available resources. Through the vital work of the Arts Council, the Film Board and Culture Ireland the Government continues to work to support these efforts and to maintain employment levels. We will also continue to develop the priceless contribution of our cultural institutions to the overall well-being of our community.

It is interesting to note that our national cultural institutions continue to attract large numbers of visitors and are a vital component in Ireland's cultural tourism product In 2010, more than 3.5 million people visited cultural institutions funded by my Department. The National Museum alone attracted almost 1 million visitors across its four sites in 2010, putting it on a par with many other notable international galleries and museums. Similarly, the 2010 attendance figures at the National Gallery of Ireland place it ahead of many distinguished international comparators, for example the Serpentine Gallery in London, the Tate in Liverpool and MoMA in San Francisco. The Irish Museum of Modern Art, IMMA, celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and its reputation, both nationally and internationally, has never been higher, with IMMA ranking in the top 20 galleries of its type in Europe.

Visitor numbers to the cultural institutions for the first quarter of 2011 continue to grow, as evidenced by the popular and critical response to exhibitions such as The Moderns, and the Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera show at IMMA; the very positive response to the newly refurbished Treasury exhibition featuring the Fadden Moore psalter at the National Museum and the popularity of the Masterpieces exhibition from the National Gallery's collection.

Investments in cultural institutions continues to improve and enhance the facilities at the National Museum, IMMA and the National Gallery in the areas of storage, securing and improving the fabric of the buildings and improving the visitor experience. Such investments, while having as their primary function the maintenance of our cultural heritage for its own sake, play an incalculable role in attracting millions of visitors to our shores. The direct benefits that accrue to the country by way of cultural tourism represent a significant return on the investment in cultural institutions and cultural infrastructure generally.

We are aware that culture is cited by the majority of visitors to Ireland as a key motivator in choosing this country as a destination. Studies have shown that the list of top visitor attractions is dominated by natural and built heritage and in addition, festivals, musical and other events attract major numbers of attendees. Tourists who engage in cultural pursuits while in this country are higher than average spenders. A total of 73,000 jobs are dependent on cultural tourism, 3.4% of the total workforce. Every tool at our disposal is being used to maximise the potential of the investments made by all those who are involved in both working in or promoting those sectors. We are conscious not only of the role of the arts, culture and creative industries in providing vital opportunities for self-expression and participation, but also of their economic potential. 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.

Through the various programmes, initiatives and supports offered both my Department and the agencies within my area, many such opportunities are available to develop and enhance robust employment prospects. Under the ACCESS capital investment scheme operated by my Department, more than 40 infrastructural projects are up and running across the country providing arts and cultural related employment channels. Arts administrations, artists, plus operators and occupants of cultural centres, and music venues are able to avail of and earn a living from these initiatives. With the continued support of the community and the public, these have become thriving social hubs in their localities and continue to make an important contribution to sustainable economic recovery.

Indeed, in the programme for Government, it is our intention, for example, to encourage the Arts Council to continue to dedicate resources to touring, explore philanthropic, sponsorship or endowment fund opportunities and promote genealogical tourism. The programme also states that the Government would encourage greater co-operation between local authorities to promote the arts and develop cultural tourism. In this context, since taking office I have begun an engagement with the local authority and community arts leaders in Kerry to develop a pilot template integrated strategy for arts, culture and creative industries at local level. This will lead to co-ordinated delivery of an enhanced and inclusive arts and culture experience for the public at large. It will be used as a template for local authorities across the State. It is my intention that at the end of this Government's term we will be able to report that the arts and culture sectors have grown and flourished.

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