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

We are on an upward trajectory and we will fulfil our commitment by 2025. The approach by Solidarity-People Before Profit to arts funding does not make sense because it wants to increase funding for the arts by €100 million in 2020, while also seeking to abolish the universal social charge and local property tax. That does not add up. I am acutely aware of the decades long difficulties faced by those who wish to engage in artistic pursuits. For this reason, I brought in new initiatives this year. For example, I extended the jobseeker's allowance under the social welfare scheme for artists and others who were previously unable to avail of it. This will allow them to continue with their work without being penalised or subject to the normal labour activation measures. I also expanded the bands that apply under the percent for art scheme to give more work to artists. Spending on artists has never been as high. We are, however, conscious of the issues facing artists and we are always trying to find new ways to support them.

See this speech in context