Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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Question 59: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans to prioritise supports and funding for independent art centres here into the future in view of the important role that such centres play within communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29862/11]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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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 independent in its day to day operations, including funding decisions. The allocation to the Arts Council for 2011 is €65.16m. My Department has no statutory responsibility for the ongoing funding of independent arts centres.

Under the ACCESS programme, my Department is responsible for the provision of capital monies for arts centres, galleries, theatres, etc. A total of €7.8m was allocated in 2011 for regional arts capital projects throughout the country. Many projects have already been completed, are open to the public and are providing resources for local communities. A list of the successful ACCESS II projects and the amount of grant aid allocated to each project is available on my Department's website.