John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 32: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will appoint an arts adviser to advise him on issues in relation to the arts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25625/07]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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I am pleased that under successive recent Governments, the Arts have moved from the periphery of Government policies to its core. I am committed to ensuring that they remain at the very heart of Government policy and central to our nation's well-being. I am also committed to growing the Arts and Cultural communities and, in doing so, to highlight, in particular, their significant contribution to our country, culturally, socially and economically.

In that context, and building on the commitments in the Programme for Government and in the National Development Plan 2007-2013, I am currently considering how best to give effect to these objectives. With this in mind I have begun a process of widespread individual consultation with organisations, groups and individuals across the spectrum in the areas of Arts and Culture. I have written to all of these inviting them to meet with me, together with senior officials in my Department, on a regular basis to seek their advice on how we can work together in advancing our ambitions for Ireland in this area.

While listening carefully to what these organisations and individuals have to say on how best to progress in the future, my letter of invitation also set out a number of key themes that I wish to explore with them, including:

Increasing access to, and participation in, arts, culture and creative activities:

Building capacity, infrastructure and participation in the regions:

Enhancing the quality and reputation of Irish creative product at home and abroad;

Supporting the tourism market by bringing arts, culture and creative energies to the fore;

The promotion of Irish arts, culture and creative sector practitioners world-wide.

The opportunities and challenges posed by multiculturalism.

Greater engagement with the business community;

And ensuring adequate fiscal and other supports for the arts in all its guises.

A number of meetings in this extensive consultation process have already been held and I have found them to be very helpful and insightful in identifying the challenges, opportunities, issues and concerns affecting the arts and culture sectors. Should I feel, when the current round of individual meetings has been completed, that extra help and advice could be of benefit, I will review the option of appointing an arts adviser.