Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 445: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the way applicants for Culture Ireland funds are assessed according to financial need; the number of arts organisations that have surplus funds; and if surplus funds will be deducted from the grant aid. [23053/11]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Culture Ireland operates a quarterly grant scheme to support the international presentation of work by Irish artists. To be eligible for funding, the primary purpose of the proposed international visit must be to present the work of Irish artists to a wide audience through performance or exhibition. All applicants must demonstrate how the event will meet the following criteria: quality of work and track record of artist / company; level of geographic priority for Culture Ireland; profile of international venue / festival; financial viability of the event (including level of support from presenter/other partners); proven capacity of applicant to present work internationally; and wider promotional and media impact.

Decisions on funding applications are based on the extent to which they meet these criteria. In assessing the financial viability of the event, Culture Ireland considers the detailed budget for the event which must accompany the application and funding for selected projects is only offered where there is a budgetary shortfall. In supporting an event, Culture Ireland will typically offer funding towards the costs of travel/transport and sometimes also accommodation/subsistence, i.e. costs which relate directly to the international presentation of the event. Culture Ireland does not fund fees or production costs. The list of projects grant-funded by Culture Ireland is available on the website www.cultureireland.ie.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 446: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of direct grants that were provided by the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport in 2010 specifically for funding of the arts; the way the arts organisations were made aware of this funding; the further way they were assessed; the amount that was allocated; the person who made the decisions; if there is a record of the assessment process; and if he will provide this Deputy with the list. [23054/11]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Capital grants for arts projects paid in 2010 under the D.5 Cultural Development subhead of my Department's Vote are published on my Department's website at www.ahg.gov.ie/en/arts/grants and funding. This funding covered payments under a number of different schemes.

The majority of the funds in question were capital grants made under the ACCESS II grant scheme and apply to major capital projects. Applications were made in 2006 following advertisements in the national media. The decision-making process was lead by an independent assessment committee under the chairmanship of Mr John Fitzgerald, former Dublin City Council Manager. Grants were allocated in 2007 and again in 2008 based on the recommendations made by this committee. Because of their technical nature, capital projects usually involve multiple year drawdown.

Allocations made under my Department's Cultural Technology Scheme in 2010 were also decided by an independent assessment committee under the chairmanship of Ms Karlin Lillington. Again, this scheme was advertised in the national media and the assessment criteria were published.

When availability of funds allow, smaller capital grants may also made available. Details of the application process for this type of funding, along with the requirements and criteria for drawdown of these grants, is published on my Department's website at ww.ahg.gov.ie/en/Publications/ArtsPublications/FAQFebruary2011.pdf. Applications under this procedure are assessed by my Department against the criteria published on the website. It is standard practice that records are kept in my Department of all grant assessment processes.