Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 301: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans to promote, increase awareness and develop the arts at local community level here with particular reference to youth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17994/08]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 303: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the extent to which he or bodies, groups or others under the aegis of his Department have offered capital grants towards local community based groups involved in musical or drama productions towards the provision of buildings such as theatres or other venues; if it is expected to continue with this procedure in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17996/08]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 304: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the extent to which his Department directly or indirectly in the course of the promotion of the arts has funded, from whatever source, the costs of musical or drama productions here in the past five years; the extent to which it is expected to continue in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17998/08]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 305: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if, from the capital budget available to him or from the proceeds of the national lottery, he will accept applications for capital grants by various community based drama or musical groups throughout County Kildare with particular reference to the provision of buildings or assistance towards the cost of specific production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17999/08]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 301 and 303 to 305, inclusive, together.

The Department supports the provision of new arts facilities around the country through the Arts and Culture Capital Enhancement Support Scheme (ACCESS). The ACCESS scheme is a key element in the Government's regional arts strategy and has greatly improved participation in the arts for large numbers of people, of all ages, nationwide. The scheme has been widely acknowledged as a significant intervention in the provision of quality cultural spaces. Under the scheme, funding is provided towards integrated community art centres, theatres and galleries as well as art studios and other arts production, creative and performance spaces.

A total of almost €86m has been granted to 120 projects across the country under the scheme, many of whom were community based arts groups. All of the available funds under the current ACCESS round have been fully allocated. The Department is currently examining the option of a further round of the ACCESS programme.

Applications for any new scheme would be invited by public advertisement. Applications are assessed on the basis of clear and transparent evidence and advice and take account of the views and expertise of the Arts Council. Any group, including community based arts organisations, that meets the eligibility criteria, will be welcome to submit an application under any new scheme.