Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 56: To ask the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the position regarding structured funding in respect of a centre (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13174/11]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Since 2004 the centre referred to by the Deputy has received in excess of €1m in capital funding towards the development of an arts and cultural centre.

The Government's 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. I am continuing to work towards this goal with my Department and our agencies and I remain committed to securing the best possible funding deal for the arts sector.

However, the type of funding for the centre referred to in this Question is one which falls for consideration by the Arts Council. Under the Arts Acts 2003, the Arts Council is statutorily independent of the Minister in its funding decisions and in its processes and the Minister is not the responsible authority to the Dáil on these matters. Section 24(2) of the Arts Act 2003 precludes interference by the Minister in Arts Council funding decisions.