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

I thank the Deputy for his question. I am aware of the issues raised by him and the report published by the CSO based on the earnings and labour costs for the first quarter of 2018. The CSO report shows variations in earnings across the sectors as categorised under various statistical groupings, including arts, entertainment, recreation and other service activities. The report states that in the five years to the second quarter of 2018, average weekly earnings rose by 7% from €695.65 in the second quarter of 2013 to €744.08. There were large differences in the changes to average weekly earnings across individual sectors over this period, ranging between from an increase of 15.7% in the accommodation and food services sector and a decrease of 3.5% in the arts, entertainment, recreation and other service activities sector. It should be noted that this category is far wider than simply the arts sector. It includes gambling and betting activities as well as sports, amusements and recreation.

In budget 2019, funding for the arts and culture sector in 2019 supported by my Department was increased significantly by €22.6 million to almost €190 million. This represents an increase of 14% on 2018. Budget 2019 includes an increase to the Arts Council of almost €6.8 million or 10% to bring Arts Council expenditure to a total of €75 million. This increase was more than double the increase in 2018 and was warmly welcomed by the sector.

The Creative Ireland programme of my Department will receive funding of €7.15 million, representing an increase of €1.15 million, to support local authorities and the continued roll-out of the creative youth programme. A total of €6 million is being provided for the European Capital of Culture - Galway 2020 while the €4.1 million provided for Culture Ireland will continue to support the development of Irish artists on the world stage. Overall, the increased funding for the arts and cultural sector secured in budget 2019 clearly shows that the Government is acting on the commitment to double funding for arts, culture and sport by 2025.

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