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

Garry Hynes runs the very successful Druid Theatre Company in Galway. I do not know when that comment was made but I am sure she, like other organisations, will welcome the increase. I have been very clear that as the economy continues to improve I wish to see more money invested in the arts. I have achieved that since 2014. Every year has seen an increase in investment in the arts. It is my view that 2016 has been a wonderful year. I repeat that €18 million is going directly to the arts and culture budget in my Department. The remainder was for capital projects and those projects are finished. I do not have to do them again.

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