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

We have increased the funding to Culture Ireland. In 2013, as part of the Irish presidency of the EU, a lot of extra funding was spent on cultural events. In 2016 Culture Ireland supported Irish artists to present over 550 events which reached a live audience of approximately 4 million, with a further online radio and television audience of 15 million. Investment by Culture Ireland in 2016 generated the equivalent of 258 full-time jobs for Irish artists working abroad. During 2016 Culture Ireland supported 160 international presenters to experience Irish work; led six international promotion admissions abroad and supported 42 Irish bands to perform at five international showcases. It is very important funding to support artists going abroad, for example, to the Edinburgh Festival. Last Saturday, I attended a play at The Garage theatre in Monaghan performed by two Irish artists who had been funded to go to Edinburgh. They told me there is huge interest in their show in the UK. There is great value in supporting artists to go abroad through Culture Ireland. An extra €1 million was given to Culture Ireland's base budget this year. There is a big focus on Great Britain next year.