Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

Go raibh maith agat a Leas-Chathaoirligh, agus fáiltím roimh an Aire. Tréaslaím leis as a bheith ceaptha mar Aire dos na healaíona sa tír. Chomh maith leis sin, tugaim faoi ndeara an méid oibre atá déanta aige go dtí seo. Is beag cúinne den tír seo nár thug sé cuairt air. Tá sé ag éisteacht, agus tá sé sin thar a bheith tábhachtach. Tá sé ag dul i gcomhairle leis na heagrais agus leis an bpobal go náisiúnta agus ar leibhéal áitiúil freisin. Níl aon amhras faoi ná gur seo an treo is fearr le tabhairt faoi obair na healaíne.

I welcome the Minister to the Seanad and compliment him on the manner in which he has approached his Ministry to date. I note he has travelled the length and breadth of Ireland. As well as negotiating and consulting at national level, he has been particularly active in dealing with organisations and communities at the local level. I compliment him on his presentation. It is clear he has captured the essence of the potential that exists for the arts in Ireland. I also praise his officials, who in my experience have always been accessible, encouraging and helpful. We have developed a unique partnership for the arts with Deputy Deenihan as the Minister, the Departments, all the Senators and the people in the Gallery as well. I thank those who provided presentations and submissions in advance of today. I have never noticed that happening before. It is possible that some of the credit goes to Senator Fiach Mac Conghail, to whom I pay tribute for the leadership he has provided in that regard.

I have always felt that misunderstandings can be avoided in any area where there is consultation and where partnership develops. I must say I get quite excited at the manner in which the model is developing. I do not think it is accidental that our discussion is taking place in advance of the forthcoming budget, and I am sure the Minister understands the importance of that as well. Each Senator here, based on his or her experience, and most of us having taken soundings from the greater arts world, will be in a position to help the Minister so that, when he goes forward to make a case on behalf of the arts, he does so with an extensive and comprehensive view.

The Minister touched on a number of particularly important points. He did not focus on any one specialist area but endeavoured to encompass them all. He gave statistics that are exceptionally compelling at budget time, and they show clearly that at a time of economic challenge it is often cultural activity that provides, cosmetically and otherwise, a remedial response or an antidote to the economic difficulties. If we consider the depth of the economic problem that we have in that manner, thinking in terms of the spirit of the people, of creativity and of how we bring cohesion of effort, there is no doubt that the arts and cultural activity play an important role. As stated by the Minister, we have so many gems at our disposal, including the Abbey Theatre and all other cultural institutions on this island.

I would like now to set out for Members an experience, in a world other than the national institutions, which brought home to me the potential that exists for us to bring about an identity of our own which, incidentally, is strongly recognised internationally and is, therefore, a direct conduit with tourism. Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, with which I presume most Members are familiar, was held recently in Cavan. More than 12,000 performers of all age groups took part in the event. Of particular significance, however, was that 300,000 people attended it. For those thinking of that figure in terms of seats in the Dáil, if we could bring them all together, it would mean ten seats in the Dáil. There is a political issue involved here.

Some €34.9 million was generated at last year's fleadh. That is an official statistic from Fáilte Ireland following a survey. It is estimated that €40 million will be made this year. It is important we bear in mind the economic advantages of the arts. There is a more important advantage in the arts, as with sports. Members will recall the event held in Merrion Square following the football final - I regret I must bring this up now but I am sure the Minister will understand - and the power it had to energise people, allowing all other problems to fade into the background. That is also true in relation to the arts.

Young people in particular are the ones who will have the energy for a new Ireland. They are the ones who will take risks and provide leadership. I thank the Minister for coming to the House today and for this approach, which gives particular significance to Seanad Éireann. What will come out of this debate today is further dialogue. It will no longer be a case of them and us but one of all of us together, working for a single common cause, namely, the arts world, cultural activities and so on. I wish the Minister good luck in his efforts. If he requires further backup, we are all here to help him.