The review of arts legislation is timely, given the 15th anniversary of the 1951 Arts Act in 2001 and in particular when one takes into account the enormous developments in the arts and arts funding in recent years. The discussion document prepared by the Department is cogent and stimulating and has to date prompted a good degree of informal debate, with more formal consideration likely over the coming months.

My own views would include a strong desire that the "arm's length" principle of funding decision be kept. "Arm's length" does not mean it is not within public view and subject to public accountability. I strongly believe that there should be retirement by rotation from Council rather than an almost clean sweep every five years, and I also believe that a body of 17 people is too large. In addition, members should be paid a stipend.

There is a need for a much greater commitment to the role of arts in Irish education and this needs a co-ordinated cross-department commitment with legislative underpinning. I have always felt the need for an international agency to promote the arts, but I am not convinced that this should be part of the Arts Council - links to the Council are necessary but links to Foreign Affairs and to other arms of Government and other organisations are, I believe, equally important.