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

The issue of the regional arts centres has been raised with me on a number of occasions. During the downturn, there was very little capital investment in many arts centres across the country. I was glad it was agreed, in the context of the budget for 2016, to have a grant scheme for regional arts centres. The applications and guidelines are being finalised. I hope to have the scheme opened very shortly. It is important to invest in arts centres because the windows are rattling and the roofs are leaking in some of them. The primary focus of the scheme will be the refurbishment and enhancement of the existing stock of arts centres. There will be €3 million per year over the next three years. That is a total of €9 million. Stream 1 will offer grants between €20,000 and €300,000 for essential repairs to and enhancement of existing dedicated arts and cultural facilities. Stream 2 will offer grants from €300,000 to €2 million for large enhancement or expansion projects. Stream 3 will be geared towards providing grants of up to €20,000 to community and voluntary groups. A small amount can often make a huge difference. The centres really need to have refurbishments carried out.

With regard to Culture 2025, the strategy is at an advanced stage. We carried out extensive public consultation right across the country. We then consulted a high-level group of experts. We invited people to make submissions and all of those have come in.

We are working with the group of experts and at the end stage. Culture 2025 will be the basis for an ongoing formative discussion on culture and should facilitate the development of evidence-based strategies to achieve an ambitious vision. The aim of Culture 2025 and what I want to see is the provision of a clear vision and strong foundation for the continued vitality, development and viability of Irish culture between 2016 and 2025. I want to see it permeating all decision-making by the Government. The programme for Government commits to the publication of Culture 2025. At this stage we are in the final stages of putting together the draft document. I will bring it to the Oireachtas committee in order that we can have a conversation about it. I look forward to hearing its members' suggestions. We are trying to put it together and include the suggestions of those who have spoken to us, but I will be happy to sit down and work with and have a discussion with committee members on it. I hope to do this shortly. We will publish the draft document and let the committee members consider it. The committee can then come back to me with its suggestions on how we can improve on it.