Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 11: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans to introduce a follow up programme to the ACCESS programme to upgrade existing arts and heritage centres, especially the content and quality of the displays and interpretative material in these centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28303/05]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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The ACCESS scheme, which commenced in 2001, provided grants of €45.71 million for the development of 44 arts and cultural facilities around the country. This scheme has transformed the level of access to arts and cultural activities for a great many people in all parts of the State.

Since assuming responsibility for the arts, I have consistently said that the arts are for all and that artistic expression is a key element of a balanced society. The ACCESS scheme has contributed significantly to bringing arts and culture to the people, and accordingly there is a strong case for a successor scheme to ACCESS, which I am now pursuing. I hope to be able shortly to clarify the position regarding a possible successor to the current ACCESS scheme. Pending conclusion, however, of the Estimates process, we cannot finalise what the form or extent of such a scheme might be. Applications for any such successor scheme would be invited by public advertisement.