John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)

I wish to extend my appreciation to all the Senators who have contributed to this informative and lively debate. The Bill is not just about the Arts Council, it is also about the arts generally and their relationship to local authorities. In addition, it is about the powers and functions of the Minister, as well as the functions of the Arts Council and the relationship of those who are involved in the arts with their development. It is not true to say that it should only be called an Arts Council Bill. Obviously the Arts Council is an integral and vital part of the system through which the Government supports the arts and, therefore, any Arts Bill will of necessity have to deal with the Arts Council to a significant extent. I stress, however, that the Arts Council will be independent on a day to day basis. As I have said in the Lower House, there is no democratic accountability if the Minister of the day is not empowered to oblige the Arts Council to implement Government policy. It is of immense importance that the people's representatives have a coherent input into the development of the sector. To do otherwise would be to abdicate our responsibilities, which is something I am not prepared to do.

It is true that there were cuts of 8% in the Arts Council's budget for 2003 and it would be foolish of me not to acknowledge that these cuts have hurt certain sectors. They have to be seen, however, against the backdrop of an 80% increase in Arts Council funding over a five-year period. Naturally, as Minister for the arts, I will be doing everything to ensure that I obtain the best possible deal for the Arts Council next year.