Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 96: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the funding provided by him to Comhaltas Ceoltóri Éireann; the way this funding is decided; his views on whether this funding represents the best value for money for the promotion of traditional arts and music here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16353/09]

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 111: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the funding provided by the Exchequer to Comhaltas Ceoltóri Éireann; if this is the only funding given to support Irish culture by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16354/09]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 96 and 111 together.

In 2004, Comhaltas Ceoltóri Éireann launched a five year Capital Development Programme with the aim of enhancing its network of regional development resource centres around the country and in Northern Ireland, in order to build on and support its existing activities. Stemming from the agreed Capital Development Programme, my Department paid out capital grants to the value of €15.6m to Comhaltas Ceoltóri Éireann from 2005 up to the end of 2008. In the same period, current funding totalling €57,000 was paid to Comhaltas.

My Department's 2009 (REV) Estimates provides a further €2.775m for that programme, which is now almost complete.

Comhaltas Ceoltóri Éireann plays an important role in maintaining and developing traditional arts and music through its hundreds of branches in Ireland and around the world. This work has been ongoing since the 1950s and has helped to sustain our traditional music culture both at home and abroad. Comhaltas provides music, dance, storytelling and language classes through this network of branches. The organisation also runs the Fleadh Cheoil Irish music competition that culminates annually in the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann all-Ireland final.

In 2009 my Department is providing almost €169m to support the arts, culture and film sector in Ireland. Each of these sectors is an essential component of the Irish cultural milieu. At 1.6% of available funding, Comhaltas' allocation from those resources is by no means disproportionate.