Written answers

Wednesday, 6 June 2012

Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht Affairs

Arts Funding

10:00 pm

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 493: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which he has had discussions with various community groups interested in the promotion of the Arts; the degree to which he has been in a position to offer tangible assistance to such groups throughout the country and in County Kildare in the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27506/12]

Photo of Jimmy DeenihanJimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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The Government's priorities for the arts are set out in the Programme for Government. Responsibility for the promotion of the arts at all levels throughout the country is devolved primarily to the Arts Council. The Council is a statutory body, funded by my Department, and independent in its day-to-day operations, including in relation to its funding decisions.

I am acutely aware of the beneficial effects of arts in the community, both from the aspect of individual participation and that of community involvement, as well as their potential for impact in addressing social inclusion issues.

Since taking office, I have engaged extensively with the arts community at local and national levels. Following dialogue with local arts officers, a pilot interactive strategy has been put in place, which, I believe, will lead to more co-ordination in arts and culture activities at community and at local level. Many projects have received capital funding under the arts capital schemes operated by my Department. These projects - situated in the heart of communities - assist in local arts endeavours and I would urge communities to support and participate in the many and diverse range of activities offered by them throughout the State. Details of these payments are on my Department's website http://www.ahg.gov.ie/en/Arts/GrantsandFunding/CulturalDevelopmentExpenditure/

As the Deputy is aware, I also forwarded details to him on 25 April last of financial assistance provided by my Department to bodies/groups over the period since the establishment of my Department on 2 June 2011. In addition, I supplied information received from the Arts Council, which included assistance to groups in Co Kildare.

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 494: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which he and his Department continue to promote traditional music and song at various levels and media; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27507/12]

Photo of Jimmy DeenihanJimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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My Department is committed to enhancing our traditional culture by supporting groups and organisations involved in furthering the traditional arts. Since 2005, €20m has been provided in capital grant aid to organisations that promote traditional music and song such as Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and Na Píobairí Uilleann (The Pipers Club) for infrastructural development throughout the State.

My Department provides an annual current grant to Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. In 2012, this amounts to €1.675m. Comhaltas has over 400 branches nationwide and has been to the fore in training young people in the traditional arts.

Other organisations funded by my Department that encourage and foster the traditional arts of music and singing include the Arts Council, Foras na Gaeilge and Ealaín na Gaeltachta. These organisations provide funding to the many festivals held in the country every year where thousands of young people participate and are encouraged to develop their artistic talents. My Department also assists An Gael-Acadamh, which provides a range of classes for young people in the Connemara Gaeltacht.

I would especially like to direct the Deputy to Culturefox, an initiative paid for by my Department to promote the arts and culture. Culturefox is both a website and an "app", and has a separate section for the promotion of traditional music and song. It is free to use for promoters and consumers alike.

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