Martin Conway (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister. He spoke earlier about the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren, but he may not be aware that over the weekend that region became a world geo-park centre. It has got great recognition and arts and culture in that area have played a significant part in that. I have two quick questions. The first concerns art spaces and arrangements with regard to rates and local authorities. A number of art studios are feeling the pinch in terms of their rate bills. Is there any joined-up thinking between the Department and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government? The Minister is going to Kilkenny and perhaps he can talk to the Minister, Deputy Hogan, while there.

The Minister spoke in his presentation about the benefits of art to people with disabilities in terms of expressing themselves. When people see a beautiful painting done by somebody in a wheelchair, they look at the painting and the person who created it rather than at the disability. Therefore, the broad spectrum of inclusivity is very much part of the arts, particularly with regard to disability. The Minister launched the Disability 1 Initiative in Dublin recently and may have spoken to some of those involved with the intention of assisting them in rolling out the initiative on a national basis. I would like to have had more time to speak on this issue. I put my name forward, but did not get the opportunity.