Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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738. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the Arts Council will be publishing a new arts and disability policy in 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20088/17]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Under the Arts Act 2003, primary responsibility for the promotion and support of the arts, including arts and disability, throughout the country is devolved to the Arts Council. The Arts Council is independent in relation to its funding and executive decisions. In 2013, the Arts Council published its Arts and Disability Policy 2012 -2016 to address issues of equity, access and participation for artists and audiences with disabilities and this is available on the Council's website. The policy was developed in consultation with a wide range of stakeholders and the Arts Council continues to work in partnership with the sector in its implementation.

The policy is built on a number of key values including:

- Equality,

- The Social Model of Disability,

- Complexity and diversity of people and practices,

- A holistic approach, and

- Inclusion.

I understand that the Arts Council’s Arts and Disability Policy is due to be reviewed and updated in the context of the Arts Council's new 10-year strategy Making Great Art Work. It is expected to be published over the coming months. I will ask the Arts Council to reply directly to the Deputy regarding its plans for a policy document.