The generally muted response from the arts constituency to that sector's amalgamation with sport and tourism in the recent Ministerial reshuffle might well have been a wise initial reaction. So far, the new Minister, John O'Donoghue, has given no clues as to his views on the place of the arts in the programme of government or any of the specific issues that await his attention.
Some concern that culture could become the poor relation in the newly-created department has been voiced. Whether it signals an emasculated role for the arts remains to be seen.
The new Arts Bill is unequivocal in stating that the Minister shall be responsible for formulating State policy on the arts and promoting, both nationally and internationally, the work and reputation of Irish artists. That function is of some importance in a country that, while it has benefited from the valuable contribution of the arts to its international profile, now needs to trade better on its cultural heritage.
Indeed, in this context, the merging of culture and tourism might not be an incongruous combination and potential benefits merit consideration. Will we, for example, see the development of a clearly-defined cultural tourism policy? A Bord Fáilte survey, quoted recently at a Cork symposium, disappointingly tells us that a meagre six per cent of those surveyed came to Ireland specifically to visit cultural institutions.
Minister O'Donoghue has been presented with a disparate assortment of problems and tasks. In arts alone, he is faced with a series of challenges: the implementation of the Arts plan and its implications for a delicate change in State/Arts Council relationships; the politically sensitive issue of the future of the National Theatre and the viability of the proposed Irish Academy of the Performing Arts. The impact of the economic downturn on arts expenditure is likely to test the Minister's ability to deal with a Department of Finance which could well view funding in this area as an easy target. At this time, too, the film industry for which there were great hopes in the last decade, appears to be in serious decline.
The three-way focus of his brief presents the Minister with vying priorities and, of course, includes the contentious issue of whether and how to proceed with a national sports stadium. This alone has the potential to distract any minister from other needs.