Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 86: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has received the mid-term review of Partnership for the Arts from the Arts Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18481/08]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I have not received the mid-term review of Partnership for the Arts as it has not yet been completed. The formal mid-term review of the strategy has been under way since January 2008. It is centred on Partnership for the Arts: In Practice 2006 — 2008, the strategy document guiding current Arts Council policy and provision. The outcomes of the mid-term review will be considered by the Arts Council in June and will inform policy and provision for the second period of the strategy from 2009 to 2010. Once the review has been completed the Arts Council will formally submit it to the Department and I look forward to receiving it and discussing it with the Arts Council.

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am a little confused and possibly people in the arts are also confused because many plans are produced. Partnership for the Arts was the second plan of the Arts Council — the first plan it tried to produce was rejected by a former Minister. Partnership for the Arts was accepted and this year the previous Minister produced an arts and culture plan for 2008. He also introduced an arts and culture business plan for 2008.

What aspects of the Partnership for the Arts plan were not acceptable to the Minister? What changes is he trying to bring about in terms of policy? There must be some confusion about the mixed messages coming from the Department among those funded by the Arts Council. The touring experiment was lauded in the business plan and the previous Minister stated he was supportive of it. However, it received no funding beyond the initial commitment. It was quite clear that if it was to continue, a serious increase in funding would be necessary. Has the Minister formed a view about which plan will be implemented? Is there a meeting of minds between him and the Arts Council?

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I have not formally met the Arts Council. As the Deputy will appreciate, I am anxious to do what I outlined regarding those meetings as quickly as possible. She is correct about the number of plans. I want to get my head around whether I am supposed to deal with one plan or an amalgam. My approach will be to select a plan and deliver it as I do not want more plans. The review has been under way since January and the Arts Council will have it completed next month. Once that is done, it will be time to agree with the council and those generally involved what we will do and to agree a specific strategy.

Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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I broadly agree clarity is needed because of the confusion surrounding the plans. These various slightly contradictory reports are not doing the arts any favours as they are generating confusion and a lack of clarity. I welcome the Minister's proposal that we move forward and agree on a plan.

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I refer to the touring experiment, which was a point of contention. It requires funding and I hope, given that the Minister is not from Dublin, he will realise the necessity to fund this experiment in order that maximum usage of the many new facilities provided around the country will be achieved. Many are lying idle and cannot put on the performances that could be made available through additional investment.

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I have no hesitation in agreeing with the Deputy. I fully agree touring the arts is absolutely crucial. Many different elements could be toured that otherwise would not be. I have a strong view about the value of the arts in general. It is of huge value to all generations, particularly our youth. It is not exclusive to the large cities, particularly Dublin, even though many of the major facilities are located here. That does not take away from the fact that everybody should be involved throughout the country. The Deputy is correct that we have invested in new facilities and we have restored and renovated facilities. I would like to maximise their usage and I will seek to put resources into them — the Deputy mentioned touring — to make sure we achieve that value.

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Arts Council will be delighted with the Minister.