Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his views on cuts to funding to the Arts Council in 2012; if he will protect Arts Council funding in Budget 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50110/12]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Government policy in the area of support for the arts and artists is set out in the Programme for Government . As Minister responsible for the arts and culture sectors, I am committed to securing the best possible funding provisions for these sectors for the period of my term of office.

Government policy is to promote and strengthen the arts in all its forms, increase access to and participation in the arts, make the arts an integral and valued part of our national life, and maximise the potential for cultural tourism. Primary responsibility for the promotion of the arts at all levels throughout the country is devolved to the Arts Council, which, under the Arts Act, is independent in its funding decisions. In 2012, the Arts Council has received an allocation of over €63 million.

I am fully aware of the difficulties facing all of those involved in these areas and the tremendous work they have done in maximising the available resources. I am committed, over the term of office of this Government, to supporting the essential elements of the arts and culture sectors within the limited financial resources available and in the light of the evolving Budgetary and Estimates situations.