Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I join other colleagues in commending Deputy Troy for tabling this motion. I add my voice to the many others that have endorsed the positive contribution of the thriving arts and cultural sector. From 2005 to 2010, €1.1 billion was invested in the sector. The success of that investment can be measured in the fact that it contributes €4.7 billion per annum to our economy. In addition, it supports 79,000 jobs directly and indirectly.

The arts should not necessarily be measured in economic terms, despite the positivity I have mentioned. The sector should be measured against the need to protect and promote our cultural heritage and foster and engender new and diverse cultures in future generations.

As a county councillor in Offaly I saw at first hand the initial benefits of setting up an arts office, appointing an arts officer and agreeing and approving multi-annual arts programmes. That will culminate with the new county arts centre and theatre in Tullamore in the coming years. In this regard, I want to commend publicly and thank the Minister for the continuance of funding that was promised by the previous Government. He has worked with the local committee to make sure the project becomes a reality following the success of the planning application.

It only remains for me to reiterate some of the main points of the motion as moved by Deputy Troy yesterday evening. We believe it would be irresponsible not to publish the cost-benefit analysis of the proposed changes before proceeding.

The independence and autonomy of this sector is crucial and must be maintained. The 2002 Bill, which we enacted, gave legislative protection to the arm's length principle, which is the very basis for the Arts Council's independence in disbursing funds. However, abolishing boards and bringing them under the Minister's direct control will undermine that principle which has proven to be such a financial and cultural success, as was detailed earlier.

I commend the motion to the House.

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