Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 18: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the likelihood of increased funding for arts organisations in Budget 2007; if the Arts Council have sought a specific amount for 2007; the likelihood of this being achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40825/06]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will appreciate I am not in a position to comment on the forthcoming Budget until after its publication.

Since becoming Minister for Arts, Sport & Tourism in 2002, I have consistently and effectively made the case, in the context of annual Estimates discussions, for increased funding for the Arts and the results are clearly in evidence. I am delighted to have secured funding of €80m for the Arts Council in 2007. This meets the Council's bid for funding for next year.

Total funding for the Council has increased from €66.233m in 2005 to €80m in 2007 and further demonstrates this Government's commitment to the Arts Sector.

Since 2002 funding for the Arts Council has increased by over 67% from €47.67m in 2002, to €80m in 2007. This has allowed the Arts Council to support a record number of artists and arts organisations around the country. These are significant amounts of money in any context and have transformed and increased access to the arts in recent years, and provide an excellent platform for even further developments in the years ahead.