ADDRESS BY TÁNAISTE MARY HARNEY ON THE OCCASION OF THE SUNDAY INDEPENDENT/FORD "SPIRIT OF LIFE" ARTS AWARDS IN THE BERKELEY COURT HOTEL ON TUESDAY 3RD NOVEMBER 1998

I would like to begin by thanking both the Sunday Independent and Ford, and in particular the Sunday Independent's Arts Editor Mr. Ronan Farren, for inviting me here tonight to speak at the announcement of the 1998 Spirit of Life Arts Awards.

People normally associate me or pigeon hole me with economic issues of major importance, reducing tax, increasing employment, reducing unemployment, improving competitiveness and so on. It is therefore a special night in my calendar of events to be with people, artists poets, actors, playwrights and more, who have a special place in my life. This might be a little known of place but a special one nonetheless.

There is nothing I like better than the opening night of a new play or film or exhibition of paintings. Unfortunately these pleasures are all too infrequent given my busy schedule of Government business. However I did have the honour earlier in the year of officiating at the opening of an exhibition of paintings by my good friend Geraldine Hone when I was in Brussels on official business.

Those who know me well are aware that I like to buy the occasional painting or piece of sculpture when I have a few pounds to spare. For those that do not know me that well, there is nothing I treasure more than a present of an artistic work, from the simplest piece of pottery to filling an empty space on my wall with a Jack Yeats.

The creative is pivotal to the cultural spirit of a nation. At the core of the cultural spirit of Ireland is the productive labour of artists, artists in the broadest sense - painters, sculptors, musicians, authors, actors, cinematographers. In recent times Irish artists have been demonstrating a growing sophistication in terms of expression and communication, a fact which reflects the dynamic changes that have been occurring in contemporary Ireland. Their creative energy makes a highly significant contribution to the richness of all our lives and to the health and prosperity of our society.

While such energy and creativity is a particular feature of Irish artists and arts organisations, I think it is also true to say that without Government support for the arts, the picture might be very different. The benefit of this support far surpasses the direct economic value which clearly emanates from arts and cultural activities and, by any standards, this money is very well spent.

An Chomhairle Ealaíon/The Arts Council, the Government's principal arts funding and advisory agency, is one of this country's major cultural institutions. Over its forty seven year history it has supported the artistic endeavours of many thousands of artists and arts organisations and has helped to foster the dynamic artistic and cultural life which is characteristic of Ireland today. I am glad to note that this Government has already increased the funding to the Arts Council substantially and I would like to pay tribute to my colleague Sile de Valera who has a keen interest in promoting the arts.

In addition to providing substantial funding for An Chomhairle Ealaíon, the Government also, and uniquely, offers support to artists and the arts through the provision of tax exemptions and incentives. Examples of these include the Artists Exemptions, which allow earnings from original and creative works having cultural or artistic merit to be exempt from income tax. In addition, the very successful Section 481 tax incentives scheme for investment in the film industry has seen the Irish film industry go from strength to strength. The level of film production in the State has increased from 2-3 per annum prior to 1993, to the position where in 1997, a total of 32 film and television projects were certified under the Section 481 scheme. It is also particularly satisfying to note in this regard to note in this regard that the mix of production now represents a healthy balance between indigenous and non-indigenous production.

The Sunday Independent and Ford have shown both generosity and commitment to the arts in supporting these awards. This I am sure, stems from a belief on their part, as on mine, that creative accomplishments should be generously rewarded. Both organisations have recognised an opportunity to assist the arts. These arts award have in previous years been tremendously successful and I have no doubt that this year's success will be repeated for many years to come.

The breath and scope of the Spirit of Life Arts Awards is testimony to the richness and excellence of the arts in Ireland. I am particularly struck not just by the high standard of the award winners on the domestic stage but some are already very well known on the world stage. I am sure that it is only a matter of a short time before the excellence of those that are not recognised internationally will be so recognised.

One special feature that I wish to commend in the awards is the Bursary of £5,000 that will go to a young student singer. To reach the top in the music and singing world, it is necessary to study abroad at significant cost. I believe that this Bursary will be of special assistance in this regard to the young artist who will receive this award this evening.