Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 48: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his attention has been drawn to recent comments from the arts programme director of the Arts Council, John O'Kane, that financial crises and problems with corporate governance are contributing to serious difficulties in the Irish arts world; if he has received a copy of the Arts Council's draft strategy regarding its future direction; his views on its conclusions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20280/05]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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The Arts Council operates independently of my Department on a day to day basis and is free to comment as it sees fit on any issues arising in the course of its dealings with arts organisations or venues. The question of an input from the Minister of the day does not arise in this kind of context.

The Arts Council's consultation draft strategy has been made available to my officials for information. However, it is a matter for the council itself to define its strategy going forward, and I would not wish to be seen to interfere with the independence of the council in this context by commenting on what is as yet merely a consultative document. I will, however, have an opportunity to make my views known on the conclusion of the consultative process.