Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

If I have all of the research, it will help to form a stronger case for my argument to extend the scheme. I am trying to do what is best for the artist community.

Regarding investment in the arts, while there is always more to be done, funding for the culture programme in my Department in the four years since I became Minister has grown by over 90%, funding for the Arts Council has grown by 68%, funding for Screen Ireland has grown by 88% and funding for Culture Ireland has grown by 65%. The ground-breaking basic income for the arts research programme represents an investment of €105 million. Funding for the national cultural institutions has increased by over 50%. We are supporting the provision of new artist workspaces in Dublin city and elsewhere.

I am absolutely committed. The track record shows that, as do the changes that are happening in the sector and the support it is finally receiving. The Deputy will probably agree that the sector was probably neglected for many years. I will continue to be committed to the highest possible levels of support for the arts.

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