Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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Question 35: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he has had any discussions with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport regarding the Gathering, an important initiative to encourage people of Irish heritage to visit the country in 2012; and if he is considering such an initiative for 2012. [21808/11]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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The Gathering, in common with many festivals, has both an arts element and a tourism element. In 2011, the Gathering will receive funding from both Fáilte Ireland and the Arts Council for its respective elements. Under the Section 24 of the Arts Act, 2003, the Arts Council is independent in its decisions on funding including the selection of initiatives and the level of funding.

In relation to 2012, The Gathering, which is operated by the private sector, will be required to make it application to the Arts Council in the same way as any other organisation seeking Arts Council support.