Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)

I assure the Deputy of this Government's commitment towards the arts and culture sectors. We are intent on pursuing this agenda while recognising the limited financial resources available and taking account of the evolving budgetary and Estimates positions. I am pleased to report that in the four months since taking office, progress is being made on a number of fronts in regard to our commitments in the programme for Government. Strategic policy formulation is the primary function of my Department and significant work has been undertaken on its new statement of strategy. Dialogue has been initiated within the arts community and with local authority arts officers with a view to introducing an interactive strategy and more co-ordination of their work at national and local level. Interesting connections are being made with relevant individuals to explore the possibilities for philanthropy and other fund-raising activities. In that context, the Department is now represented on the forum on philanthropy.

I also understand that the Arts Council has been developing its touring policy. Plans are now being finalised for Culture Night 2011 and I hope to progress publication of the 1926 census in coming months.

In relation to the proposal regarding the use of NAMA buildings for cultural purposes, the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has met the chair and chief executive of NAMA on the matter and those contacts will continue. It would not be appropriate to comment in more detail on those discussions at this point.

The next five years can be an exciting time for the arts, culture and film sectors. Their integration into one Department, along with the Irish language, islands and heritage responsibilities, makes eminent sense and I look forward to seeking out and building on the self-evident synergies between these areas.

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