Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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114. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if the Craft Council, which is under the auspices of his Department will be recognised as a cultural body in order to enable craft workers to be included under legislation governing the Arts Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19414/13]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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The Crafts Council of Ireland is the national design and economic development organisation for the crafts industry in Ireland fostering the sector’s growth and commercial strength, communicating its unique identity and stimulating quality design, innovation and competitiveness. The Council’s activities are substantially funded by my Department via Enterprise Ireland. The Crafts Council works closely with Enterprise Ireland to create and sustain jobs, and grow exports in the crafts sector.

Under Action 318 of the Action Plan for Jobs 2013, the Crafts Council will continue to increase the profile of the craft sector in Ireland through its involvement in a number of key initiatives which will seek to maximise the economic impact and job creation potential of investment in the sector. I am unaware of any proposals with regard to having the Crafts Council recognised as a cultural body. The Arts Council is a statutory body under the Arts Act 2003 and all matters relating to that body are the responsibility of my colleague, Deputy Jimmy Deenihan, the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.