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

I am aware of the issues referred to in the question and continuing to deliver additional supports to the arts and culture sector in line with Government commitments, as evidenced by budget 2019.

Primary support for the arts is delivered through the Arts Council, the funding for which has increased in recent years. I was very pleased to be in a position to increase funding for it to €75 million in 2019, an increase of €6.8 million, which is equivalent to an increase of 10% on the figure for 2018. I understand the council recently announced the level of its 2019 funding for the Abbey Theatre to enable it to undertake an extensive programme of work for audiences, both in its home theatre and on tour. The council will also support the development and presentation of new work in co-productions with some of the most exciting theatre artists making work in Ireland today. Separately, the council continues to invest in established theatre producing organisations such as the Gate Theatre, the Druid Theatre Company and Rough Magic, as well as companies which are presenting new work to audiences in new ways such as ANU, Broken Talkers and Thisispopbaby.

The Arts Council which is independent in its funding decisions under the Arts Act 2003 operates within a published ten-year strategic framework entitled, Making Great Art Work. The strategy prioritises support for artists throughout their careers by the involvement of many agencies in cultural provision, the impact of the arts on the creative economy and the depth and breadth of people's engagement with the arts. In the area of artist support the council now includes as an assessment criterion an organisation's policy on the remuneration of artists. It aims to ensure organisations in receipt of Arts Council funding will offer fair and equitable remuneration to artists.

As Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, I have responsibility for setting the overall vision and strategic direction of Ireland's cultural sector. In the first instance, issues raised by theatre practitioners should be resolved by dialogue between the theatre chair and board, directors and the theatre practitioners. I am pleased to report that this dialogue is taking place between the parties, including, I understand, on the legal and commercial issues surrounding remuneration for artists.

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