Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 174: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is no funding available for the support of local orchestras and local brass and reel bands; the reason funding for these bands is not available through the Arts Council or his Department; and if funding will be made available for these community based organisations. [45532/08]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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In 2008 the Arts Council set aside an amount of €500,000 for the implementation of a Music Capital Scheme, aimed specifically at providing funding for musical instrument purchase and other capital requirement needs of music organisations throughout the country. The scheme is to be rolled out over a three-year period 2008 — 2010. Music Network agreed to partner the Arts Council in the delivery of this initiative across the three-year timeframe.

The 2008 allocations were announced by the Arts Council in association with the IRMA Trust and Music Network (MN) in November last. A total of €347,000 has been awarded to professional musicians, non-professional performing groups and community-based organisations involved in supporting music practice in their area for the purchase of musical instruments and rehearsal equipment. Following a call for proposals under the scheme 298 applications were received across three funding streams with the value of funding requests totalling in excess of €2,200,000.

The Arts Council intends to undertake research into Capital Requirements in music and therefore it is proposed that there will be an action research aspect to the delivery of the Scheme. This will allow the Arts Council to gather critical information in relation to capital needs in music and ultimately will inform Arts Council policy in relation to capital requirements for music going forward.

The Music Capital Scheme is a matter for the Arts Council and I have no statutory function regarding its administration.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 175: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if a grant (details supplied) will be awarded in 2008; the amount it will cost; the amount drawn down to date; and the overall cost for 2008. [45549/08]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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An amount of €3.5 million was provided to the Irish Sports Council in 2008 to fund the gaelic players grant schemes. The administration of the schemes is a matter for the Irish Sports Council and the Gaelic Athletic Association.