Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he has reviewed funding of Ballet Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53006/12]

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the discussions he has had with Ballet Ireland on its future development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53027/12]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 31 together.

Ballet Ireland is a professional ballet company whose activities are primarily centred on the production and touring of classical ballet works. It is also involved in school initiatives, an annual summer school, workshops and master classes. Insofar as supports from my Department or agencies under its aegis are concerned, the company is funded by the Arts Council and has also received some support from Culture Ireland in respect of touring activities abroad. As the Deputy will be aware, responsibility for the promotion of the arts at all levels throughout the country is primarily devolved to the Arts Council. The Council is independent in its day-to-day operations, including in relation to its funding decisions. The question of a review of funding for this company does not, therefore, fall within my remit.