Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am doing all I can to achieve the best possible result with the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform. Funding is allocated on a yearly basis. Current expenditure in 2017 was €237 million, which went up to €249 million in 2018, an increase of 5%. Capital expenditure in 2017 was €51 million, which went up to €54 million in 2018, an increase of 5.8%.

It is important to recognise the work of the Arts Council. Work is also done by the cultural institutions, including by the National Library of Ireland and other project developments under the national development plan. We also want to support the endeavours of Creative Ireland in enabling the creative potential of each child, in enabling cultural creativity in every community, in investing in cultural infrastructure, as well as in having Ireland as a centre of excellence for media production and unifying its global reputation in that regard. We have seen a steady increase during the years and I will do everything I can to assist.

See this speech in context