Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 415: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which he has accelerated the promotion of national identity through the arts with the objective of maximising economic opportunity through this medium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5589/12]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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The Government's policy on the arts is to promote and strengthen the arts in all its forms, to increase access to and participation in the arts, and to make the arts an integral and valued part of our national life. I am continuing to work towards this goal with my Department and the agencies within its remit and I remain committed to securing the best possible level of funding for the arts sector.

The State appreciates and values the contribution the arts sector makes to the internationally renowned artistic reputation of this country. Within the current economic constraints, that investment in the arts, culture and creative sectors is more important than ever, having regard to the employment intensity of the sector and their potential for assisting with cultural tourism initiatives.