Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 558: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will provide additional funding to the Arts Council to ensure consolidation and growth in the arts here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20707/07]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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As Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism I am committed to securing the best possible funding for the Arts Council and the arts sector generally. The Arts Council's funding requirement for the year ahead will be addressed in the context of the consideration of the Estimates for the Public Services for 2008. The Deputy will be aware that in that context the Government must balance competing demands from every part of our economy and society. 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.

Responsibility for the promotion of the arts at all levels throughout the country is primarily devolved to the Arts Council. The Arts Council is the principal agency through which State funding is channelled to the arts. Under the Arts Act, 2003, the general functions of the Council include the following: to stimulate public interest in the arts; to promote knowledge, appreciation and practice of the arts; to assist in improving standards in the arts. The Arts Council is a statutorily independent body, funded by my Department and independent in its day-to-day operations, including in relation to its funding decisions. Funding for the Arts Council has increased significantly in recent years from €47.67 million in 2002 to €80 million in 2007, an increase of almost 68%. This funding has transformed the arts, has increased access to the arts, and provided an excellent platform for future development.