Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his comments, particularly in regard to the increased budget for the cultural institutions. The Arts Council is funded by my Department and is statutorily independent in its day-to-day operations. Therefore the arm's length principle applies. It is independent in its decision on who it funds and the amounts it allocates. As a public body the Arts Council is required to adhere to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform's code of practice for the governance of State bodies and other practices of good governance and transparency. Disbursal of funding is required to be fully in line with public service financial and accountability requirements. I understand that the Arts Council also requires the organisations it funds to comply with similar standards. On its website the Arts Council commits to operating to the highest standards of corporate governance and has adopted a corporate governance regime in accordance with best practice, which includes a section on conflicts of interest. Full information on the council's funding decisions is made available on its website. Everything that has been paid out between 2008 and 2015 relating to funding is on its website. I am happy that the Arts Council continues to discharge its duty as the principal State agency for the promotion and development of the arts in Ireland in a strategic but transparent manner. It also publishes a newsletter on its decisions.

Returns from the film industry include 6,000 full-time jobs and 53 feature films which were made last year. Many of those employed in the industry are graduates. Some 65% of investment is inward investment. Some 20% of tourists come here because of movies they have seen.

The film is digital media-based and the content is a major growth market. I was in Kilkenny recently to meet the people from Cartoon Saloon. The company's film was a major hit and got a great nomination. Unfortunately, it did not get an Oscar prize, but it has won awards.