I am delighted to be here today on this important occasion for all Irish writers, and for the arts generally in Ireland.
The Arts Council recognises and supports around twelve distinct art-forms or disciplines, and far be it from me to even suggest that there is a pecking order among them. But the fact remains that in the field of literature the achievement of Irish people has for a long time been undoubtedly of world class. If we look no further than the area of international literary prizes, the consistent ability of Irish writers to punch above their weight year after year is rightly a matter of considerable pride for everyone in the country.
As a nation, our capacity to write and rhyme has no equal. Our literary heritage and poetry pedigree is beyond question. The support and further development of Irish literature, both in Irish and English, will therefore always be an important national aim. The very existence of this centre, and especially the work it does week in and week out, is striking evidence of that support.
The Irish Writers' Centre can be best described as a development agency for writers and writing in Ireland. Established in 1991, it aims to provide a platform and create opportunities for authors working in both the English and Irish languages. The IWC supports writers across all literary genres - from fiction and poetry, to drama, essays and translations.
This very important facility is in keeping with the Government's philosophy that the arts should be available for everybody. Our spending on the arts is ensuring greater enjoyment of a vital resource by a wider audience, while confirming the place of artists and arts organisations in Irish life. Last month, I was delighted to announce an 11% increase to the Arts Council, bringing their allocation for next year to €80m. This announcement was made as part my Department's Estimates for 2007, which will provide over €216m for arts and cultural projects in Ireland.
The Irish Writer's Centre, under its director Cathal McCabe, has been extremely successful recently in developing its commitment to emerging and mid-career writers. It does this through an increasing range of developmental and support services, and by providing promotional platforms for the benefit of writers and writing in Ireland. This includes an impressive year-round programme of readings, workshops, lectures and seminars.
Its latest venture is the new resource centre, which I am officially opening here tonight. Offering access to a range of publications and resources, including a selection of national and international periodicals and an online information service, the new centre offers an ideal space for writers and readers to meet in the centre of the city, both informally and as part of writers' groups, reading clubs and the Centre's creative writing programmes.
This stylish and comfortable new space significantly enhances the facilities of the Irish Writers' Centre and confirms it as one of the key development agencies for writers and writing in Ireland. It was designed and refurbished by GGD Global with the support of Dublin Tourism and Ashlin Coleman Architects, and funded by proceeds from the sale of "The Door Stands Open" by Seamus Heaney and with the financial support of Mercer HR Consulting and The Arts Council.
A feature of the new resource centre will be new books and literature, journals and periodicals, as well as a wealth of information leaflets, brochures, guides, etc. for writers. The purchase of up to date periodicals of use and relevance to writers will be an important resource.
I welcome the development of this new resource centre for writers, and I am sure it will be widely and eagerly availed of. So without further ado, I now have much pleasure in declaring the centre officially open. Thank you.