Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)

I thank the Senator. I realise her obvious passion towards this subject matter is true and genuine. This Government places great value on culture and the arts sector. As outlined in the programme for Government, we recognise that they are essential to a well-rounded society providing opportunities, education, expression and community engagement.Across the country, there is a network of cultural infrastructure, with the majority in the ownership of local authorities. Annual support, including the programming and revenue supports, is provided. The Department of Culture, Communications and Sport is focusing on providing capital grant funding to assist to maintain these arts and cultural facilities, with the infrastructure as opposed to the running costs. It is important to the Minister, Deputy O'Donovan, that he and his Department support this investment in these facilities, both in Dublin and around the country. As I said earlier, two capital streams are currently open, stream E of the cultural capital scheme and the arts workspace scheme, and there is a separate partnership with Dublin City Council.

The new scheme for arts and culture organisations that was announced in the budget will build over time, similar to the way that sports capital funding has developed. That is where the Senator will see the thresholds increased, especially with the costs of construction increasing. I will ask the Minister to come back to him on the query about the Liberties, because I do not have the answer here. While it is demand led, it is important that all organisations engage. Hopefully we will see stronger support in the thresholds going forward.