Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 16: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the impact cuts in the Arts Council budget will have on the arts here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47395/09]

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 deal for the Arts Council and the arts sector generally. In recent years, allocations to the Arts Council have represented significant amounts of taxpayer's money in any context and have effectively transformed the arts, by facilitating increased access to and participation in the full spectrum of art forms around the country. Since 2002, Exchequer funding for the Arts Council has increased by 45% from €47.67million in 2002 to €69.15 million in 2010. In these difficult times I was delighted to be able to secure funding of this level for the Arts Council. For the arts, culture and film sector in 2010 I have secured €167m, an adjustment of 6% on 2009. The Government's sustained commitment to the arts is evidenced by this substantial level of funding. This Government is committed to supporting the arts and will continue to work with Arts Council as part of its programme to achieve this.

Question No. 17 answered with Question No. 6.

Question No. 18 answered with Question No. 9.