Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 102: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the implications for his policy of wider access to the arts of reduced Arts Council funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18443/08]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Funding for the Arts Council has increased by over 72% from €47.67 million in 2002 to €82.102 million in 2008. These are significant amounts of taxpayers' money in any context and have transformed the arts sector, increasing access to and participation in the arts for all our citizens. The Government's commitment to the arts is evidenced by these substantial increases in funding.

This level of funding has enabled the Arts Council to dramatically increase the number of organisations it supports and the level of funding it provides.

The funding of the Arts Council, as with all Government Departments and State agencies, is a matter for consideration under the annual budget and Estimates' process. In doing so, the Government must balance competing demands from every part of our economy and society.