John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)

On my watch, the budget for the Arts Council has increased by 67% which, by any standard, is a substantial increase over a four year period. This has been recognised and acknowledged by those involved in the arts throughout the country. As with all budgets and Estimates, everybody will not get everything they want.

International comparisons are far less simple than originally appears to be the case. Approaches to what is classified as "arts" can differ quite dramatically. It must also be noted that jurisdictions with very high spending across the board also tend to have very high tax rates, which we do not have. The arts must compete for funding with all other sectors, which it has done successfully.

Since I became Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, there has been a tradition of seeking to invest savings in the arts where possible. For example, as part of the first phase of its three year strategy the Arts Council sought an allocation of €79.3 million from me in 2006. With the savings I have allocated to the Arts Council, which have been greatly welcomed, the amount I allocated to the Arts Council during 2006 was greater than the amount it sought. The council's funding for 2006 now stands at €79.81 million, which exceeds the amount sought and demonstrates the Government's commitment to the arts sector in no uncertain terms.

This year, the Arts Council sought €80 million and was given that amount.

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