Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

The Bill is cross cutting, being sponsored by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment but implemented by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

The Bill should be seen in the light of the future of the arts in this country. The arts represent us all, in our ability to live outside ourselves, to imagine, to create, to respond, to communicate locally, globally, aesthetically, emotionally and culturally. However, we have consistently failed to recognise the importance of the arts. We are quick to recognise ourselves economically but do not see or understand the artist in us all.

The last term of Government was not a particularly good one for the arts. Public funding of the arts in Ireland has consistently languished below what is normal in other European Union countries. The potential within the arts sector for significant and innovative development is enormous. Individual artists and arts organisations make an immeasurable contribution to our society and our lives would be much the poorer for their absence.

My party is happy to support the Bill and I wish it a speedy passage through the Oireachtas. Artists and authors deserve recognition for their work and this House should be happy to ensure they get their fair share. I hope the passage of this Bill represents due recognition of the vital work of our libraries in performing both an educational and social service. As with post offices, libraries are often at the heart of our communities. As budget time approaches, I trust the Minister will make this clear to the Minister for Finance.