Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 170: To ask the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport if she will support Ireland's working artists as a matter of urgency. [2994/11]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Government Policy in the area of support for the arts and artists is set out in the Programme for Government. This policy is to promote and strengthen the arts in all its forms, increase access to and participation in the arts, make the arts an integral and valued part of our national life, and maximise the potential for cultural tourism. Primary responsibility for the promotion of the arts at all levels throughout the country is devolved to the Arts Council which, under the Arts Act, is independent in its funding decisions. In 2011, the Arts Council has received an allocation of over €65 million.

The Government appreciates the importance of the arts, culture and creative industries to both our society and to our economy. I am conscious not only of the role of the sector in providing vital opportunities for self-expression and participation, but also of the economic potential of the arts and creative industries and in particular of providing conditions in which the creative industries can flourish. The Government is committed to supporting the crucial constituent sectors of arts and culture within limited available financial resources.