Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies and the Minister of State, Deputy Deenihan, for their contributions to, and support for, the Bill.

I acknowledge the work of the former Minister, the current Minister of State, Deputy Jimmy Deenihan, who commenced this Bill some time ago. I listened with interest to the input of Deputies on all sides and the various issues raised will be considered further in the Department as the Bill makes its way through the House.

The establishment of the National Concert Hall, NCH, as a statutory body is an important step in the development of this iconic institution. It will not do any harm to reiterate some of the statistics that demonstrate the success of the National Concert Hall. Last year, it recorded its most successful year since 2008, with almost 330,000 people attending approximately 900 events. This a tremendous achievement. In addition, turnover of €6.8 million enabled the National Concert Hall to break even, with the State's subvention accounting for only one third of total income.

This year, the National Concert Hall continues to deliver a strong performance, both artistically and financially, and in that regard I pay tribute to the director, chairman and board for the work they are doing in promoting the NCH. Ticket sales for the many fine performances generate considerable income. A broad and engaging programme of concerts, education and outreach activities has delivered a further increase in the number of events, of which more than 500 took place in the first five months of this year, attracting 150,000 visitors.

The role of the National Concert Hall is not confined to hosting concerts. The NCH also operates an education and outreach programme focused on five distinct areas, namely, children and families; schools and teachers; music students and musicians; community; and health care. In the area of health care, the NCH aims to enrich the lives of those living with long-term health conditions; contribute to learning through music for people with special needs; and promote physical and emotional well-being by providing the opportunity to participate in music making. It operates a programme in children's hospitals, including the Crumlin and Temple Street children's hospitals, and Tallaght and Beaumont hospitals, as well as the Laura Lynn Children's Hospice. This programme will be extended to three additional regional hospitals in the summer. In the area of dementia and Alzheimer's disease, the National Concert Hall provides opportunities for people living with these conditions to attend performances. This, too, is a good programme, which is to be commended.

As Deputy Ó Fearghaíl stated, there is potential to have pharmaceutical companies support the National Concert Hall in view of its work in hospitals. The Deputy's idea is a good one and should be progressed. I very much support the business to arts initiative which offers businesses great opportunities to support the arts. Engaging with the arts helps employees to think outside the box and has proved to be very worthwhile.

Building on strong attendance figures for 2014 and with off-site activities reaching many more people beyond the walls of the National Concert Hall, the NCH is focused on developing each of the key work areas through 2015 and beyond. It aims to develop a national footprint in each of these areas and expand in breadth and depth in the coming years, making further positive impacts on the musical and cultural fabric of the country. This is a prime example of the value of our national cultural institutions and their importance to our cultural life. Access to the arts, culture and Ireland's rich heritage is vital for preserving society and national identity and helping to promote Ireland's image abroad. The arts, cultural heritage and creative industries make a major contribution to the economy and sustaining and creating jobs. Cultural tourism, to which these sectors bring much value, also makes a significant contribution to the economy and the National Concert Hall plays an intrinsic part in this area.

My officials have taken note of the many interesting issues raised by Deputies and these will form part of our considerations. Reform of the cultural institutions is being reviewed.

I support the view that services should be shared, especially in areas such as human resources and finances which require specific skillsets. There is no reason institutions cannot co-operate and work together in these areas to achieve savings. All strategic plans for cultural institutions must be approved by the Minister.

Deputy Ó Fearghaíl referred to the possibility of providing that future developments take place on a regional basis. This legislation does not preclude the National Concert Hall from expanding its cultural expressions to other parts of the country. I would like the national cultural institutions to reach out to the rest of the country, rather than being entirely focused on the capital. While these institutions bring significant benefits to Dublin, they should also reach out to the regions and in that respect, I have increased the budget for loaning items to regional and county museums. I would like the cultural institutions to ensure cultural assets can be viewed throughout the country. Items in storage, for example, could be loaned to museums outside Dublin because they are for everyone in the country to enjoy.

The Culture 2025 draft policy document will go out for consultation shortly. The document will address many of the issues Deputies raised regarding funding and support for artists. A colloquium of cultural stakeholders was held in the Royal Irish Academy on 25 May last to consider the draft discussion paper prepared by the Department. Following this meeting, a paper is being drafted for wider consultation and this process will commence in the coming months. I would like everyone to study the document and contribute to the consultation their ideas on how to protect our culture. As the first document of its kind, Culture 2025 is very important and I encourage as many people as possible to participate in the consultation process. Kerry McCall, who was mentioned, is a member of the working group on Culture 2025.

On arts in education, I fully acknowledge the need to ensure young people are involved in the arts at an early age. The arts in education charter was signed by my predecessor, the current Minister of State, Deputy Deenihan, and the then Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Ruairí Quinn. A group is in place to work on the charter, with a view to ensuring young people engage with the arts. The Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, and I share a strong commitment to progressing the charter.

As the economy continues to improve, I will fight for an increase in the budget for the cultural institutions. I was pleased to secure an increase in funding of €2 million last year and I hope we will be able to build on that achievement this year.

I ask Deputies who intend to table amendments to the Bill to give departmental officials sight of their amendments at an early date in order that, where possible and appropriate, they can be given due consideration. I reiterate that the National Concert Hall is a major cultural asset, which I would like to see develop and thrive as a world class venue. This legislation is a positive step forward in that regard. I acknowledge the great work done by staff in preparing the Bill, which I am pleased to introduce in the Dáil. I look forward to it making steady progress through the Houses and commend it to the House.

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