Addressing the Northern Ireland Government Affairs Group yesterday evening, the Minister said: “Culture, arts and leisure have a huge part to play in that future and people must be able to access arts, sport, museums and libraries.
These activities must become very evident veins across the delivery of the Northern Ireland Programme for Government and contribute to the building of a prosperous, fair and inclusive society for all. The activities of the Department also play a major part in the economy and tourism, particularly the creative industries which are continuing to flourish.
“High on my agenda for the autumn is the introduction of the new Strategy for Sport and Physical Recreation. This is a new vision for sport for the next ten years which will improve our health, tackle obesity, and encourage people of all ages to make sport and recreation part of their lifestyle.”
The Minister said that the strategy will inform the direction of investment in sport and physical recreation. “We must be in the best position to draw benefits from the Olympics and Paralympics in London in 2012 and the Strategy, along with investment in first class sports facilities, will help us achieve that aim.”
Mr Poots also said that work is continuing on the proposal for a multi-sports stadium for rugby, football and gaelic games. “If it proves to be economically viable and subject to the Northern Ireland Executive’s approval, it will be one of several projects that will help to reinvigorate the region’s cultural infrastructure alongside a programme of capital projects for libraries, arts, museums and a new headquarters for the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland.
“Another priority for me involves taking legislation through the Assembly to establish a single Library Authority. This is an innovative proposal, and unique in the UK and Republic of Ireland which is generating considerable interest beyond our shores.
“It will streamline five existing library services, providing a unified, seamless service which can ensure equity in delivery, and transmission of best practice.
“As a non-departmental public body it will be led by a Board made up of people selected specifically for their ability to oversee a library service which meets modern needs and improves the quality of service to the public.”
The Minister outlined the way ahead for the Irish Language legislation: “My Department is currently evaluating the outcome of the consultation exercise on the draft Irish Language legislation and following that, further consideration will be given to the issue.”
The Minister continued: “These are exciting and, as always, very challenging times but I am confident that the Department is well placed to meet such challenges and I know my staff are already responding with skill and enthusiasm.
“The Department of Culture Arts and Leisure has a remit that impacts on the lives of nearly everyone and every community in Northern Ireland and I look forward to a society which is at ease with itself and where everyone shares and enjoys the cultural benefits of this new opportunity.”
Notes to Editors:
1. DCAL’s main activity is to support and develop Government policy on a wide range of cultural and leisure activities. During 2006-07 the Department provided £94.6million of grant-in-aid and other funding for 11 Non-Departmental Public Bodies and other sponsored organisations which support and implement Government policy.
2. The Department also has an administrative budget of £21.7million. It promotes and supports its policy aims and objectives largely through grant-in-aid and sponsorship payments to a number of public sector bodies, which are outside the Departmental Accounting Boundary. The main bodies are:
Arts Council of Northern Ireland
Sport Northern Ireland
National Museums and Galleries of Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Museums Council
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium; and
Fisheries Conservancy Board for Northern Ireland
The Libraries side of the five Education and Library Boards
Two North/South Co-operation (Implementation) Bodies including the North/South Language Body (incorporating the Ulster-Scots Agency and Foras na Gaeilge); and Waterways Ireland
3. Other Bodies working in partnership with DCAL include the Northern Ireland Screen Commission and the Northern Ireland Events Company.
4. Media enquiries to DCAL Press Office on 028 90 258917 or email: press.office@dcalni.gov.uk Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
