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

Is oth liom nach bhfuil ar mo chumas an cheist seo a fhreagairt as Gaeilge, ach cuirfidh mé leagan dhátheangach den fhreagra ar fáil don Teachta. As the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht was established on 2 June 2011, my response to the Deputy's question deals with the period since that date. My Department administers a wide range of programmes and measures. Its financial allocations since its establishment reflect the outcome of the comprehensive review of expenditure and the review of capital expenditure carried out in 2011. While my Department's gross funding has reduced between 2011 and 2014 as part of its contribution to the overall fiscal consolidation, to the greatest extent possible savings have been sought through efficiencies rather than reductions in services. For example, the allocation for spending on administration costs in my Department has fallen by 11% since 2011, from almost €38 million to less than €34 million this year.

While the funding adjustments in recent years have posed challenges, I am satisfied that the overall level of resources available to my Department have allowed it to continue to support arts and culture, maintain our built and natural heritage, develop our language and Gaeltacht areas and support island communities and the North-South implementation bodies under its aegis. In doing so, my Department has sought to do the maximum possible to support employment, achieve compliance with EU directives and support the ongoing implementation of the Good Friday and St. Andrews Agreements.

My Department's total capital provision has increased by just over €5 million, or 9%, since 2011. In Budget 2014, my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, announced additional funding for a number of new measures in my Department's area, including €10 million for the Cork events centre, €6 million for the Limerick National City of Culture 2014, €5 million for the traditional skills and buildings at risk jobs leverage scheme 2014 which is directed at renovation projects for buildings which are protected and €3.7 million to fund a number of 1916 commemoration projects.

I intend to continue with this approach of protecting services to the greatest extent possible, while contributing to economic recovery by supporting new developments in the sectors for which I am responsible.

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