Doolan - Arts & culture are an untapped potential
Published: 9 March, 2005
Sinn Féin Dublin South East Representative, Cllr. Daithí Doolan, speaking at Trinity College Dublin tonight, called on "Minister for Arts, Culture & Tourism to recognise the potential in cultural tourism and to provide adequate funding to promote this concept on an All Ireland basis as supported by the Good Friday Agreement."
Speaking during the debate, Cllr. Doolan said, "Sinn Féin is committed to developing arts, culture & leisure within the context of an all island framework. We want arts and culture to be made relevant to all communities and not just the chosen few. Community arts has played a very important role in the lives of people for many years, but this has happened despite government inactivity and in spite of having little funding from consecutive government ministers. This ongoing work at grass roots level needs due recognition and should now receive full and adequate resources to ensure it can expand and develop.
"Arts and culture needs to be seen, not as a poor cousin or as a charity, but as having potential to generate jobs and economic dividends. This is possible, particularly, if we promote Ireland in an all Ireland capacity on the international stage and government policy needs to reflect this."
In conclusion Cllr. Doolan urged, "the government to recognise the diverse cultures that exist in Ireland and to ensure they are given adequate resources to develop, grow and strengthen our communities." ENDS
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