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

The Deputy will appreciate that it is not possible for me to comment on the outcome of budgetary negotiations at this stage. However, the Government has already shown its determination to deliver on the commitment in A Programme for a Partnership Government to work to progressively increase funding to the arts, including the Arts Council and Irish Film Board, as the economy continues to improve. To this end, I secured significant additional funding for the Arts Council in budget 2017. The increase in the Arts Council's allocation in 2017 was €5 million or 8%. This will assist the council greatly in implementing its ten-year strategy, Making Great Art Work 2016-2025, including under its new funding framework.

In terms of the Creative Ireland programme, it is important to note that the Arts Council plays a central role in delivering the objectives of this all-of-Government initiative to mainstream creativity in the life of the nation. The programme is being led by my Department in partnership with other Departments and agencies, the national cultural institutions, the Arts Council, the Irish Film Board, local authorities, the third-level sector, arts and culture organisations, media organisations and relevant non-governmental organisations.

Significant progress has been achieved in the delivery of the ten actions identified for 2017, both it home and abroad. It is my intention to build on this progress by strengthening all aspects of our arts and cultural infrastructure, including the Arts Council, as resources permit.

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