Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 30: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the projects that have been funded under the Access scheme each year since 2001 to date in 2006 by county; if his Department has undertaken to examine the geographic distribution of arts facilities here in a similar manner to the way in which the locations of sporting facilities are being analysed; if so, the stage this analysis is at; if not, if it is intended to carry out such an exercise in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40745/06]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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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 some 40 arts and cultural facilities around the country. This scheme commenced in 2001 but many projects are still in the course of completion. The increase in the availability of facilities and the enhancement of their quality, as a result of the scheme, has greatly improved access to and participation in the arts for a great many people all around the country.

In addition to ACCESS, almost €53m has been awarded to Other Capital Projects in 2004, 2005 and 2006. These projects, while not formally part of the ACCESS scheme, are managed in the same way as the ACCESS projects and the same objectives apply.

I propose to circulate for inclusion in the written report a schedule detailing allocations on a county-by-county basis in tabular format. All available funds are fully allocated as of now. However, a second round of the very successful ACCESS programme closed for applications on November 17th. The selection of projects will be undertaken in close collaboration with the Arts Council. An independent Selection Committee will assess project proposals received and will make recommendations to me for consideration. I hope, however, to be in a position to announce the successful applicants early next year.

There are no plans to carry out an analysis of the geographical distribution of arts facilities across the country. However, applications for capital arts grants under the ACCESS II scheme must be compatible with the National Spatial Strategy and in the case of new buildings the promoters must demonstrate a proven need for the facility within the relevant area. They must also show that they have assessed the impact on other similar facilities within the relevant catchment area.