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

I will announce details of the new initiative next month. I have met key cultural stakeholders in the past week to bring them up-to-date with what I am keen to do. This initiative will be anchored in boosting and valuing creativity in all its forms. I want to make clear that I fully respect the arms-length principle. No interference takes place in the funding decisions of the subsidiary bodies under the Department, including those of the Arts Council and the Irish Film Board. I have no input in the decisions of the Arts Council. It is completely independent and I absolutely respect that. I was delighted to get the increase in funding for the council and I hope it will be able to support more organisations and artists in the coming year. I completely respect the arms-length principle.

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