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

I am well aware of the fact that Creative Ireland is completely separate from the Arts Council. My concern is what Creative Ireland's role is in terms of funding. I do not think it is very honest to say that Creative Ireland is not funding certain projects. Creative Ireland has had its logo on many very reputable and distinguished arts festivals around the country, such as the Kilkenny Arts Festival and Galway Arts Festival. Will the Minister be clear with us because there is ambiguity and concern in the arts world? Which is the leading agency for artists and artist supports? Is it Creative Ireland or is it the Arts Council? The Arts Council got a mere €3 million increase in the budget. It is a far cry from what was promised by the Taoiseach, who promised to double the arts budget. The Minister took me up wrong. I did not say the Minister got an additional €8.5 million. Creative Ireland got €8.5 million from the Arts Council. On this issue, John McAuliffe, who is deputy director of the Arts Council, asked what kind of application processes, peer reviews and long-term planning will influence how taxpayers' money is spent. We do not know the answer to that. I am hoping the Minister can clarify that very important question for me.

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