Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason an organisation (details supplied) in County Kerry does not receive funding from the Arts Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1272/13]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Government policy on the arts 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 provision for them during 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, to make the arts an integral and valued part of our national life, and to 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 Acts, is independent in its funding decisions. Under statute I may not intervene in its funding decisions. In 2013, the Arts Council will receive an allocation of some €60.7 million in current, capital and EU Presidency funding.

I am very well aware of the important role played by the organisation referred to by the Deputy in promoting a varied arts and culture programme to those living locally, further afield and visitors to the area. However, the provision of funding to it is a matter in the remit solely of the Council.

The Government appreciates the importance of the arts, culture and the creative industries to both our society and to our economy. I am fully aware of the challenges for those involved in the arts and culture sectors and of the tremendous work they are doing. I am committed to supporting the essential elements of the arts and culture sectors, within the available financial resources and in the light of the evolving budgetary and Estimates processes.