Written answers

Thursday, 17 February 2005

Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism

Arts Funding

5:00 pm

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 21: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his policy to encourage the arts in its various forms in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5269/05]

Photo of John O'DonoghueJohn O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The main channel for State support for the arts is the Arts Council, which receives a global allocation from my Department, and thereafter has statutory independence regarding its disbursement. In 2005, the council has received an allocation of €61 million, which is an increase of around 12% on the total amount provided in 2004, even allowing for the special allocation of €2 million provided late last year, requested by the council to specifically address the position of the Abbey Theatre. It is a matter for the council to decide how its allocation is divided, and the level of support to be given to artists, arts organisations, and art forms.

I will shortly announce a successor to the cultural relations committee, CRC, which was responsible for supporting Irish artists who wished to work or exhibit abroad. This new body will have a broader, more proactive remit, and will have an amount of €2 million at its disposal in 2005, as compared with the €700,000 available to the CRC in 2004.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.