Taoiseach Enda Kenny was speaking in Washington DC yesterday afternoon about the value of arts in society.

During his speech at the John F. Kennedy Centre for Performing Arts, the Taoiseach reiterated JFK's opinion that he saw "little of more importance to the future of civilisation than full recognition of the artist."

However, the arts community has reacted dubiously to Enda's claims of the importance of the arts in society.

Speaking on Drivetime on RTÉ Radio, Jo Mangan, Director of Carlow Arts Festival, and chairperson of the National Campaign for the Arts, stated that she believed the arts' significance had been diminished under this government's reign. She claimed that it had been relegated to a "Frankenstein" department by the Taoiseach, that had been "lumped in" with Regional Development, Rural Affairs and the Gaeltacht.

Mangan said the arts were addressed 'fluffily' by Fianna Gael in their manifesto, and stated that she was looking forward to today's meeting with Heather Humphries about the arts communities concerns.