Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 53: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will provide a commitment that funding to the Arts Council will not be further reduced in view of the cuts suffered by that organisation during the past nine months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23602/09]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, 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. Future funding for the Arts Council will be addressed in the context of future Estimates processes. The Deputy will be aware that 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.

By any standards the Arts Council has seen sizeable increases in its funding from the Exchequer in recent years. Since 2002, its allocation increased by 54% from €47.67 million to €73.35 million in 2009. These significant amounts have transformed the arts landscape, by facilitating increased access to and participation in the full spectrum of art forms throughout the country. It is of vital importance that the Arts Council, which administers this funding, do so in a manner that maintains participation and access to all art forms. This level of support affirms my commitment and that of the Governments to the important work carried out by the Arts Council.

The Government also recognises the importance of the Arts sector's contribution to the economy especially in the area of employment. In 2005, there were 48,000 employed in the cultural sector in Ireland. This number represented 2.5% of the total workforce in 2005. I believe that the Government's sustained support has resulted in a firm foundation to the arts sector that I believe will assist it in facing future challenges.

In relation to further funding for the Arts sector and the Arts Council in particular I will be endeavouring to ensure that adequate funding is provided for this very important sector. However, in that context it must be recognised that the Government is facing severe challenges in relation to public expenditure levels.