Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 3: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the introduction of multiannual funding for the Arts Council in view of the importance of multiannual funding for forward planning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25785/07]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The funding of the Arts Council, as with all departmental and State agencies, is a matter for consideration under the annual budget and Estimates process. In doing so, the Government must balance competing demands from every part of our economy and society. I am aware of the Arts Council's desire to have multiannual budgets, having met the Council on a number of occasions. I appreciate the need for stability in budgeting which such a measure would provide. My Department, like all other Departments, is provided with annual current expenditure budgets through the Estimates process. The programme for Government commits to providing multiannual funding to the Arts Council that identifies key areas for development, for organisations or key strategies in the arts. Multiannual current funding for the Arts Council is an issue I will pursue with my colleague, the Minister for Finance.

Funding for the council has increased by almost 68%, from €47.67 million in 2002 to €80 million in 2007. These are significant amounts of taxpayers' money in any context and they have transformed the arts, increasing access to and participation in the arts. The Government's commitment to the arts is evidenced by these substantial increases in funding. This has enabled the Arts Council to dramatically increase the number of organisations it supports and the funding it provides. For instance, in 2006 the Arts Council supported 330 regularly funded organisations, which employ 2,000 people; 170 festivals; 251 artists, through bursaries provided to members of Aosdána; and 41 artists in residence programmes, spread across hospitals, schools, communities and prisons. A number of new initiatives have been introduced by the Arts Council as a result of this additional funding, including touring, small festivals and opera. I am pursuing funding for the council in 2008, with all aspects of arts funding, as we work to conclude the 2008 Estimates process.

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Nobody would deny additional money has been invested in the arts in recent times and much has been achieved. However, multiannual funding was promised in the programme for Government. The Minister accepts it makes good sense and such funding is widely used in other areas, for instance, transport, for which a 15-year plan is in place. Why not provide multiannual funding for the arts? While it is a budget issue, it not only comes down to additional funding but also certainty in budgeting so that realistic planning can take place. The regularly funded organisations prepared three-year plans based on the promise in the programme for Government and the Arts Council has tried to respond. However, it is not reasonable to ask the council to provide three-year budgets when it is only guaranteed funding on an annual basis.

The Minister will accept it takes more than one year to put together productions, market them in advance and take them on tour around the country. From a tourism perspective, if people wish to market a festival, the programmes must be sent to the printers at least 12 months in advance. A soloist for a chamber orchestra must be hired 24 months in advance and the same is true for many other disciplines. The Minister must accept the multiannual programme is not only about providing additional funding but also about achieving better value for money. I ask him to consider that.

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The programme for Government commits us to multiannual funding to the Arts Council, which should identify key areas for development for organisations or key strategies in the arts and to ensure increased arts activity is sustained and developed. The Government is committed to moving in that direction, particularly where key areas for development can be ring-fenced. Funding for the council has increased spectacularly by 68% from €47 million in 2002 to €80 million this year. That represents a significant commitment by the Government and its predecessor to invest in the arts. I pay tribute to the Arts Council, which deals with 330 regularly funded organisations, which employ 2,000 people, and 170 festivals. The council funds a range of organisations, events and causes under its remit. I am committed to examining how we can move forward on multiannual funding but it should not hold back the council because successive Ministers in recent years have ensured major increases in funding.

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Given that more funding has been invested in the arts, more venues have been established and they must be filled. A good touring product is needed to fill them. I do not know if the Minister is aware of alarming stories in various parts of the State about wonderful facilities that have been provided from public money, which are underutilised. The reason I push for multiannual funding is the necessity for value for money in making these investments.