Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 88: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has put in place an implementation body to implement the recommendations of the National Economic and Social Forum report on the Arts, Cultural Inclusion and Social Cohesion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18209/08]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The Report on The Arts, Cultural Inclusion and Social Cohesion, to which the Deputy refers, from the National Economic and Social Forum (NESF) is a substantial and comprehensive document. It recommends a series of initiatives aimed at supporting increased participation in the arts and on creating a more inclusive and cohesive society.

Such complex and cross-cutting proposals require to be dealt within an imaginative and robust manner. I am aware that plans have been formulated to implement the Government decision on the formation of a high-level implementation group. As part of this procedure, the Cultural Institutions within my Department's remit have been asked to comment on the recommendations of the Report and on how they could assist in their implementation. When these comments have been received I will examine the best way to progress the recommendations of the report including the establishment of the implementation Committee.