Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

I can see the need for advance funding in the case of a special event. I have said to the Arts Council and to the other agencies under the aegis of the Department that if such a situation arises, the Department can discuss how the organisation being bid for can be reassured that the amount of payment will not be an issue. My Department could work with the Arts Council if it needs to pursue a particular project and requires that level of assurance from Government. I have undertaken to continue to work on this issue. Every organisation would prefer certainty and a rolling budget as opposed to an annual renewable budget but I do not accept it should hold back the council to any substantial extent. I agree it would be more comforting but I do not believe it will interfere with its day-to-day work.

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