Some 23 disability and health agencies are to have their state funding restored, for at least a year, following a climb-down by the Government on the controversial cuts which would have resulted in many vital services shutting their doors.

ARTS Minister John O’Donoghue announced the appointment of five new members of the Arts Council yesterday.

NEW Arts Council chairperson Olive Braiden said yesterday she hopes to see the arts made more accessible especially to children and local communities, despite the 20% budget cut imposed by the Government at the start of this year.