Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 291: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the degree to which he expects to be in a position to support the arts directly or through bodies under his aegis in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30138/11]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 293: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which he hopes to retain or provide incentives to encourage the arts at local, regional and national level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30140/11]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 298: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which he has received submissions for financial support directly or through the Arts Council for theatrical productions throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30145/11]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 299: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps he has taken or proposes to take to maximise and promote the arts as a means of generating economic and social benefits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30146/11]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 291, 293, 298 and 299 together.

The Government's policy on the arts is to promote and strengthen the arts in all its forms, to increase access to and participation in the arts, and to make the arts an integral and valued part of our national life. I am continuing to work towards this goal with my Department and the agencies within its remit and I remain committed to securing the best possible level of funding for the arts sector.

As the Deputy will be aware, primary responsibility for the promotion of the arts at all levels throughout the country is devolved to the Arts Council. The Council is funded by my Department and is statutorily independent in its day to day operations, including funding decisions. The allocation to the Arts Council for 2011 is €65.127m. With regard to funding submissions for theatrical productions, the Deputy will appreciate that any such submissions would be for independent assessment and decision by the Arts Council. Any such potential applicants approaching my Department would be directed to the Arts Council as a matter of course.

The State appreciates and values the contribution the arts sector makes to the internationally renowned artistic reputation of this country. Within the current economic constraints, that investment in the arts, culture and creative sectors is more important than ever, having regard to the employment intensity of the sector. In the context of the 2012 Estimates, I will, of course, be endeavouring to maximise continuing Government support for the arts.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 295: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the degree to which he has promoted the national identity through arts and heritage on a monthly basis over the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30142/11]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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One of this Government's top priorities from its first day in office has been the promotion of the national identity abroad through arts, culture and heritage. This year in particular, Culture Ireland is spearheading Imagine Ireland, a special initiative to promote Irish arts in America, comprising some 1,200 Irish artists in more than 500 events across more than 40 US States.

Culture Ireland promotes our identity by mounting showcases and promotional missions at key international festivals and arts markets through the year and by operating a quarterly funding scheme for Irish arts events and projects abroad. It manages strategic initiatives in response to Government priorities, adding value to Presidential and Government Visits and St Patrick's Day initiatives and coordinating with other State Agencies on cross-promotion of arts events abroad. It also partners with resource organisations such as the Irish Film Institute and Ireland Literature Exchange to deliver targeted global promotion for each art form.

Since my appointment as Minister, in addition to Imagine Ireland, Culture Ireland's key showcases and promotions have included: in March, Irish music at South by Southwest Festival, Austin, Texas; in May, Irish dance at the Dublin Dance Festival and Irish film at the Cannes Festival; in August, the Venice Architecture Biennale and Irish theatre, dance, music and literature at the Edinburgh Festivals; and this month, Irish theatre at the Dublin Theatre Festival, Irish literature at Frankfurt Book Fair and Irish traditional music at Womex World Music Expo in Copenhagen.

Question No. 296 answered with Question No. 289.