Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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24. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if, in view of the upcoming budget, she has had any discussions with the Department of Social Protection in relation to a specific grant to assist artists starting out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32198/15]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Issues in relation to state supports in terms of employment or social welfare schemes are a matter for the Minister of Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation or Minister for Social Welfare as relevant.

The Government appreciates the importance of the arts, culture and the creative industries to society and to the international artistic reputation of this country. Ireland has a reputation for being supportive of artists through the provision of the tax exemption for artists. I was pleased that the Government introduced a 25% increase in the artists' tax exemption for 2015. This important measure recognises the invaluable contribution which arts and culture practitioners make here at home and abroad. The feedback available to me indicates that artists very much welcomed the increase in the exemption limits. The scheme ensures that Ireland continues to be a place where the work of artists is valued and where their place in society is assured.