Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 19: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he intends to introduce a new grants scheme to replace the ACCESS programme for the upgrading of arts centres nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21066/06] ]

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 52: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the extent of applications for funding under the ACCESS and Capital projects relating to arts projects: the counties they originate in; when decisions will be finalised for 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20858/06

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 19 and 52 together.

The main vehicle for capital funding through my Department is the Arts & Culture Capital Enhancement Support Scheme (ACCESS), under which almost €43 million was provided for arts and cultural facilities around the country. This scheme commenced in 2001 and many projects are still in the course of completion. I propose to circulate for inclusion in the written report a schedule detailing allocations under ACCESS and other capital projects on a county-by-county basis in tabular format. All available funds are fully allocated as of now.

I have been in consultation with my colleague the Minister for Finance, to secure approval for a successor to the ACCESS scheme and I understand that a positive response is imminent. I will make a further statement on this matter as soon as I am in a position to do so. Applications for support under a successor scheme will be invited by public advertisement. Allocations under this scheme could be made by the end of 2006.

Allocations under ACCESS on a county-by-county basis were as follows.