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

As Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, I am acutely aware of the impact the economic crisis has had on sectors under my remit, including the direct effect it has had on artists trying to make a living in the sector. The reality is that budgets across my Department were hit hard following the economic collapse. This reflected the burden shouldered by people throughout the country. Thanks to the economic recovery we are now in a position to invest in our arts, culture and heritage sectors in a way that will benefit communities nationwide. I am pleased to have secured a 12% increase in my Department's budget for 2016.

I made clear in my response that the Department principally supports artists and arts organisations through the work of the Arts Council, which is in receipt of €59 million to run a number of programmes and initiatives to support artists and art organisations, events and festivals throughout the country.

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