Michael Brennan (Fianna Fail)

I also congratulate the Minister on the Arts Bill 2002. He listened well and the consultative process that took place in recent years has worked in the best interests of promoting all sections of the arts.

The Bill refers to the involvement of local authorities in the arts. I am sure that the authorities will play a leading role at local level, where arts officers have been appointed and funding has been made available. The Minister has retained sufficient powers in the Bill to ensure that it will work. It is in everyone's interests that all possible funding should be made available to promote the arts.