Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 18: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his policy in respect of the arts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9159/05]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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My policy on the arts is to promote and strengthen the arts in all its forms, increase access to and participation in the arts, and make the arts an integral and valued part of our national life.

The main channel for State support for the arts is the Arts Council, which receives a global allocation from my Department, and has statutory independence regarding its disbursement. In 2005, the council has received an allocation of €61 million, which is an increase of 16% on the total amount provided in the Book of Estimates for 2004. At the end of 2004 the Dáil passed a Supplementary Estimate, including €2 million for the Arts Council which the council had sought to specifically address the position of the Abbey Theatre.

I have recently announced a successor to the cultural relations committee, which was responsible for supporting Irish artists who wished to work or exhibit abroad. This new body, entitled Culture Ireland, has a broader, more proactive remit, and has an amount of €2 million at its disposal in 2005, to carry out its functions in accordance with its terms of reference.

My Department has provided capital grants to a broad range of arts and culture venues in recent years. For example, the ACCESS scheme provided funding of €45.7 million to 44 projects all around the country.

During 2004, my Department organised a very successful culture programme for Presidency of the European Union and a successful cultural exchange between Ireland and China.