Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 305: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which he expects to be in a position to offer assistance to the arts, notwithstanding the effects of the economic situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37141/11]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 308: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which he has provided or hopes to provide financial assistance to national or local groups involved in drama or musical productions in the current year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37146/11]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 309: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he intends to identify particular sectors of the arts for special promotion in the next four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37147/11]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 305, 308 and 309 together.

Government policy on the arts is set out in the Programme for Government and aims 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 in my Department and with the agencies under its remit. I remain committed to securing the best possible level of funding for the arts sector.

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 and their potential for assisting with cultural tourism initiatives. In the context of the 2012 estimates, I will be endeavouring to maximise continuing Government support for the arts and culture sector.

Responsibility for the promotion of the arts at all levels throughout the country is primarily devolved to the Arts Council, which is the principal agency through which State funding is channelled to the arts. Under the Arts Act 2003, the general functions of the Council include the following:

· to stimulate public interest in the arts;

· to promote knowledge, appreciation and practice of the arts; and

· to assist in improving standards in the arts.

The Arts Council is a statutorily independent body funded by my Department and is independent in its day-to-day operations, including in relation to its funding decisions. For 2011, the Exchequer allocation to the Arts Council is €65.127m.