asked the Taoiseach if it is proposed to produce a White Paper on the Arts in Ireland, and the role of the State in relation to the Arts.

No, but I have been in correspondence with An Chomhairle Ealaíon concerning a five-year plan for the Arts. The council are drawing up a draft plan which, it is hoped, will form a basis for discussion.

Will the discussion, to which the Taoiseach refers, be a discussion in this House or a discussion between his Department and the Arts Council?

A discussion, as requested by the Arts Council, would be between myself and other Minister specifically designated. It might be useful if they attended.

Does the Taoiseach not think that a discussion involving other Members of this House might be of benefit in assisting the deliberations of the Arts Council and the Taoiseach in the five-year programme?

One could look at it both ways. It might be of benefit and it might be a disservice. I cannot say, but it is a matter for the Government in the end to make up their minds about policy of this nature. Obviously it would be a subject for discussion in the House afterwards.