Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 230: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he is committed to maintaining funding for the arts, particularly the Irish Film Board, the Arts Council and Culture Ireland; his views on whether the livelihoods of thousands of persons working in the arts are under threat if funding of the arts is not maintained into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41998/09]

Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)
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As Minister for the Arts, I am committed to supporting the arts and the Government will continue to fund the arts sector within available financial resources. Decisions regarding funding, whether within my Department's Vote or on the part of other relevant Departments will be taken in the context of the ongoing Estimates and budget preparation process. My policy on the arts reflects Government Policy in this area as set out in the Programme for Government and further elaborated in my Department's Statement of Strategy. This policy 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.

The Arts Council is the principal agency through which State funding is channelled to the arts. Since 2002, funding for the Arts Council has increased by over 50% from €47.7 million in 2002 to €73.4 million in 2009. It is my aim to continue to support the Arts Council in its role, working within the financial and other resources available to me, into the future. I regard Culture Ireland as a key element of my Department. Its remit is to promote Irish arts and artists worldwide across all art forms including theatre, music, dance, literature, visual arts and film. Since its establishment in 2005 Culture Ireland has made a wide impact worldwide through the promotion and support of over 1,350 Irish cultural initiatives and events in 74 countries.

The Irish film industry is one of our most important industries, providing substantial levels of employment and significant inward investment. Our film industry is dependent on the combined supports provided by the Irish Film Board, the tax relief afforded by the Section 481 scheme, the continued presence of a studio infrastructure (currently Ardmore Studios) and a stock of world-class talent. It is an internationally traded sector and is subject to external competitive influences and incentives that require our systems to be continually updated and upgraded. The Government recognises the benefits to Ireland of having a vibrant film industry and audiovisual sector. This is evident in the commitment in the Renewed Programme for Government to maintain the funding supports of the Irish Film Board.