Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

Responsibility for the promotion of the arts at all levels is primarily devolved to the Arts Council. The Arts Council is the principal agency through which State funding is channelled to the arts. Responsibility for the promotion internationally of our artists is a matter for Culture Ireland.

Obviously, I am not involved in the council's operations. I am, however, of the opinion that taken together, the variety and depth of the programmes and schemes put in place by the Arts Council, Culture Ireland and my Department have the object of both developing new talent and sustaining those already engaged in the arts. For instance, I understand that to date in 2009, approximately €3 million has been allocated by the council to recipients of bursaries and various new once–off and new project works that have the aim of developing individuals and organisations to make progress in their respective fields.

The range and wealth of talent being nurtured through the council's funding is truly impressive. The council is to be congratulated on its sterling work in prioritising and managing its resources in a strategic manner to ensure the delivery of a high-quality service to the public.

In addressing the issue of future arts investment, it is important to highlight the transformed arts foundation and infrastructure that has been provided by way of consistent Exchequer funding. For instance, since 2002 funding for the Arts Council has increased by more than 50%, from €47.67 million in 2002 to €73.35 million in 2009. This is a total of more than €530 million over the period, which Members will agree is a substantial amount. Over the period, these investments have helped to transform the profile and appreciation of the arts, to bring them centre-stage and enliven them for everyone to enjoy. This expenditure has allowed the Arts Council to fulfil significant elements of its functions, namely, of stimulating public interest in the arts, promoting knowledge, appreciation and practice of the arts and assisting in improving standards in the arts. The council delivers a focused, comprehensive, efficient and strategic service to its clients, audiences and partners nationwide.

Since 2004 amounts to the value of more than €109 million have been paid in respect of arts infrastructure nationwide.

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