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

More than €188 million is being provided in 2016 for the arts, culture and film sector, an increase of 20% on the figure for 2015, with a further €6.158 million being provided by way of a capital carry-over. A key driver of the increase in funding for the arts and in cultural expenditure in my Department in 2016 is the ongoing commemorations programme.

The allocation in 2016 is almost €49 million, including €31 million in capital and €18 million in current expenditure. The programme is ongoing, but the main commemorative events of the Easter period are now concluded. The people of Ireland embraced the opportunity to commemorate the events of 100 years ago, and in doing so they made them a great success. I look forward to the remainder of the year's activities.

The capital allocation of almost €31 million for commemorations, supplemented by €6.158 million in carryover from 2015, has provided for a number of flagship projects or permanent reminders that are being progressed this year, including the interpretive exhibition in the GPO complex, the tenement museum in Henrietta Street, the refurbishment of Richmond Barracks, where the leaders of the 1916 Rising were held after their surrender, and the new visitor centre at Teach an Phiarsaigh in Rosmuc. Funding for 2016 has also supported the following projects, which form part of the Ireland 2016 commemorative programme: the development of a recital room at the National Concert Hall, as well as the works to the foyer and front of house facilities; and the redevelopment of the National Archives at its Bishop Street headquarters. In addition to this significant investment provided under the commemorations programme for the concert hall and the archives, the major refurbishment of the National Gallery of Ireland continues in 2016, in addition to investment of more than €39 million this year in our national cultural institutions.

The important and valuable work of the Arts Council has also been recognised. This is reflected in the 2016 current allocation of more than €60 million, which is an increase of €1.2 million over the 2015 allocation. Funding of €5 million is also provided to meet the anticipated demand in 2016 for the funding of the Cork events centre. Some €5.5 million is provided in 2016 for Culture Ireland, which includes €3 million for "I am Ireland", or "Mise Éire", the Culture Ireland international programme that forms part of the Ireland 2016 centenary programme. I am happy to expand on any issues that Deputies would like to raise relating to this programme area.