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

Between 2001 and 2008, Fianna Fáil cut funding for the arts from €206 million to €139 million, a significant reduction of €67 million or 33%. Taking budget 2019 into account, there has been a 37% increase in arts funding since 2011. Unlike the unsustainable spending of Fianna Fáil when in government, including in respect of the arts, current funding is sustainable and is based on the sound management of public finances by Fine Gael-led Governments since 2012.

On the Deputy's comments regarding artists, as I mentioned earlier and as she acknowledged in her initial remarks, the Arts Council received a significant increase in funding last year. I will do my best in my negotiations with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Donohoe, to secure a further increase this year, bearing in mind the parameters and difficulties of Brexit.

I also mentioned earlier that there had been a significant increase in funding for Screen Ireland. The Deputy mentioned Galway 2020. We provided €6 million in funding for it. We have also provided funding for the national cultural institutions and Creative Ireland. The Government and I will continue to do everything possible to support arts and culture.

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