Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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264. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she has discussed with the management of the cultural institutions either the need to guarantee full accessibility for persons with disabilities and provide immersive arts experiences for persons with different disabilities or the opportunity to use the current closure of museums, galleries and theatres effectively to implement measures to meet this need when reopening is permitted; if not, if she will do so; and if a policy will be developed on access for persons with disabilities to the arts which cultural institutions could follow or put into force. [23223/21]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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Access to participation in arts and culture is one of the cornerstones of national cultural policy. Culture 2025, published in January 2020,sets the direction for Government policy across the cultural sector, including the arts and the creative and audiovisual sectors. A number of key values underpin Culture 2025 including the right of everyone to participate in the cultural and creative life of the nation. The Arts Council Strategy (2016–2025) Making Great Art Workincludes having more people enjoying high-quality arts experiences as a stated objective. The Arts Council also has specific supports for artists with disabilities.

In terms of National Cultural Institutions (NCIs), the circumstances and opportunities in each institution can vary considerably but the commitment and interest towards enhanced inclusion and accommodation is very strong in all cases. The management team in each institution have constant regard to both access and inclusion policies. The recognition and provision of disability facilities is a particular feature of the current very significant €460m programme of investment in the cultural institutions and all new facilities will conform to the highest standards. The NCIs also welcome contact from individuals, families and organisations in relation to the needs and interests of people with difficulties and disabilities. The development and implementation of disability policies and services in each institution are responsibilities of their management and Board.

While my Department's primary focus in the past 15 months has been on the development and delivery of a range of new and emergency supports for the arts, culture and entertainment sectors, we continue to meet regularly with NCIs on a broad agenda including plans for their ongoing reopening in line with public health advice.