Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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Question 17: To ask the Minister for Arts; Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans to implement the recommendations of the National Economic and Social Forum report into the Arts, Cultural Inclusion and Social Cohesion in order to broaden the appeal and participation in the arts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16485/11]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, the report of the National Economic and Social Forum into the arts, cultural inclusion and social cohesion was published in January 2007 and was based on information collected on the situation in Ireland in the years before that date. At the time I was a member of the project team that worked on this report. It was a worthwhile document, bringing forward as it did a number of interesting and thought-provoking conclusions and recommendations.

The report presented an evaluation of the status of the sector at that time and its role in the changing and varying social and cultural landscape. It should be clearly understood that the conclusions and recommendations in the report were of their time. At that time, conditions in Ireland were very different to what they are today where human and financial resources are much scarcer than they were then. In that context, with my officials, I intend to revisit the report's findings.

In its examination, the report recognised that a significant degree of noteworthy activity was taking place in the arts sector, much of which was State-supported. It highlighted the need for the delivery of a high-level service in the arts and culture sector in a strategic, appropriate, co-ordinated and open manner. The report also set out actions to support broader participation in the arts and made recommendations on creating a more inclusive and cohesive society.

Despite the very significant reduction in resources since 2007, I am of the view that, even in the absence of a formal implementation mechanism for the report, progress was made in certain areas covered by its remit. For instance, there are now much improved numbers and levels of contacts among the network of local arts officers throughout the State, supported by the mainstream local authority structure and the Arts Council. In addition, I would point to the considerable improvements in the digital technology areas which helped to make much of our population more aware of the opportunities for participation in the arts and culture sectors. An example of this is Culturefox, an applications and mobile website funded by my Department and developed by the Arts Council. Anyone with a smartphone need only put it on, and they can see at a glance all the cultural events going on around them in their own areas.

Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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I thank the Minister for his comprehensive reply. One of the key recommendations of the National Economic and Social Forum report, and one on which I am sure we can agree, was to develop a policy on how local groups can access and pay for the use of publicly funded arts centres and to co-ordinate public spaces being built which can be used for the arts and social inclusion. How does the Minister intend to further facilitate the use of public spaces, including NAMA buildings, for local community groups? Will he outline any such initiatives in regard to those on lower incomes which may be a Government priority?

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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I am glad to point out that I shared a very enjoyable evening with Deputy McLellan in Youghal last Friday. The centre there was a very good example of how such centres work very effectively and efficiently for the communities they serve. I was delighted I was able to spend some time there.

Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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We were delighted the Minister could attend.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Deputy for the hospitality.

Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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We want further details.

Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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That would be telling.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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It was a cultural evening, let me add. With regard to public spaces and NAMA buildings, with my officials I met representatives from NAMA, as I had promised Deputy Wallace in the House just last week that I would. While they are very open to facilitating any community initiatives, they reminded us that they manage loans, not buildings, which is a subtle difference. However, where there are communities willing to take on loans, NAMA will be very sympathetic towards this and the NAMA representatives were quite positive in that respect. I am glad the Deputy has mentioned that report because I did a great deal of work on it for over two years. I attended every meeting and made a number of the proposals in the report. I now have an opportunity to implement them. I brought in all of the local arts officers who are a valuable resource. They had never been consulted previously, yet they know more about the arts locally than anybody else. We have strong national institutions such as the Arts Council which looks after the elite in most cases, but there is also a focus at local level. It is important that everybody feels he or she is included in the arts movement. I thank the Deputy for raising the issue.

Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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I thank the Minister.