Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 269: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on establishing a book fair here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12861/08]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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As Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism my policy on the arts is to promote and strengthen the arts in all its forms, increase access to and participation in the arts, and make the arts an integral and valued part of our national life. I believe that the strength and health of a society does not rely solely on what it can achieve or produce economically. It is equally, if not more so, dependent on what it can produce culturally, artistically and intellectually.

In this context I welcomed the establishment of a book fair in Dublin recently and I was pleased to provide foundation funding towards the event.