Written answers

Thursday, 6 March 2014

Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Arts Funding

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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32. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which it is expected his Department can support voluntary community effort in respect of local festivals, musical and/or dramatic productions; if he can generate and support interest in this area in a practical way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10697/14]

Photo of Jimmy DeenihanJimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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I refer the Deputy to my responses to a series of Questions on this general topic asked by him in recent months. As stated, the Government's policy on the arts is to promote and strengthen the arts in all its forms, to increase access to and participation in the arts, and to make the arts an integral and valued part of our national life. I am continuing to work towards this goal with my Department and the agencies within its remit and I remain committed to securing the best possible level of funding for the arts sector.

As the Deputy will be aware from my earlier responses, responsibility for the promotion of the arts at all levels throughout the country is primarily devolved to the Arts Council. Under the Arts Act 2003, the Arts Council is statutorily independent in its day-to-day operations and my Department has no role to play in its executive or funding decisions. Full information on the Council's funding decisions is made available on its website at .

Within the current economic constraints, investment in the arts, heritage, culture and creative sectors is more important than ever, having regard to the employment intensity of these sectors. While I know that the Deputy appreciates the funding difficulties facing all Departments at this time, I can assure him that I remain committed to securing the best possible level of funding for these particular sectors.

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