Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wholeheartedly welcome the initiative. Cultural events do not only happen in Ireland's main cities but, as we know, culture is embedded in rural Ireland as much as anywhere else. This policy echoes one brought forward by my party some years ago proposing that all local authorities formulate an action plan for arts and heritage. The current level of funding is likely to be insufficient to support the real development of our towns and villages. With 31 local authorities in Ireland, each will receive approximately €33,000. This is a serious cut in funding compared with the allocation in 2016 when €3 million was allocated to local communities to implement their counties' arts and commemorative plans. For many local authorities this funding is much needed. Given the Government's previous cuts in funding for the arts and heritage sector, this is quite a significant reduction in the amount of funding they will have with which to work. During the period from 2011 to 2106, many of the main arts agencies operating within the State suffered massive funding cuts of up to 40% and that was particularly pronounced in our rural communities. Will the Minister comment on the funding issues I outlined?

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