Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Mar atá a fhios ag an Teachta, bhí an tAire Stáit tinn agus beidh sé ar ais, le cúnamh Dé, san fhómhar.

I am aware of the incident to which the Deputy refers and I am very sorry for all of the artists who were affected. Since taking office as Minister, I have been aware that precarious incomes have been a feature of the arts sector and, accordingly, I have placed a strong focus on supporting professional arts practice. This is why I have sustained funding for the Arts Council at record levels of €130 million, and have introduced a three-year €105 million basic income for artists pilot scheme. In addition, I have increased funding for Culture Ireland, Creative Ireland and Screen Ireland.

As Minister, I have no involvement in the day-to-day running of the Arts Council, a statutory agency overseen by a board. I respect this arm's-length principle enshrined in legislation. It is important the Arts Council should continue to be an independent funding body and a voice for the arts.

As to the incident in question, I understand the Arts Council issued emails to 141 applicants for the next generation artists award, incorrectly indicating that an award would be granted. The Arts Council then emailed all affected to inform them of the error after seven minutes and apologised unreservedly. I further understand that the director of the Arts Council spoke on this matter on the "Drivetime" programme on RTÉ Radio 1 on 30 June and apologised profusely. My officials have engaged with the Arts Council and were informed that the initial notification was caused by an administrative error. They have also been assured that the Arts Council has now put in place additional checks for the issue of decision letters to prevent a repeat of this error. The Arts Council is also in the process of updating its computerised grant application awards and payments system and that is expected to be live in 2024.

I am therefore aware of the incident and I am aware particularly of the understandably deep disappointment of those affected by the error. The Arts Council has acknowledged its role in the event and has taken steps to prevent recurrence. I can assure the Deputy that for as long as I am Minister, I will continue to look to maximise support for the arts and for artists.

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