Written answers

Thursday, 12 November 2015

Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Value for Money Reviews

Photo of Gabrielle McFaddenGabrielle McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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10. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the main findings of the value for money review of the Arts Council; the actions she will take to implement the recommendations of this review, particularly in relation to improved transparency around its decision making, and greater regional representation when it comes to funding the arts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39553/15]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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A comprehensive review of the Arts Council's activities and operation over the period 2009 to 2012 was recently published by my Department. It was undertaken by my Department’s Evaluation Unit under the guidance of an expert Steering Committee chaired by Dr. John O'Hagan, Professor of Economics at Trinity College.

The review commends the Council for its response to the economic crisis by significantly reducing administration costs; overhauling its organisational structures; and developing on its RAISE initiative, which helps arts organisations to diversify funding streams.

The review also highlights the need for the Council to expand its efforts to improve transparency around its decision making; give greater consideration to addressing the issue of regional balance in accessing the arts; and to engage more with stakeholders and establish the evidence-base for the societal benefits of its work.

The Value for Money Policy Review should act as an important tool for the Arts Council to improve its hugely beneficial work in funding arts organisations across the State. It is available to download on my Department's website.

I am committed to ensuring that findings of the report are used to improve access to and support for the arts in Ireland. I had a very productive discussion last month with the Chair and Director of the Arts Council on how this can be achieved. My Department will build on the already positive engagement with the Arts Council to ensure that the recommendations are delivered. We will do this in close consultation with the Arts Council using the normal governance arrangements including regular liaison meetings and the annual service level agreement, while respecting the statutory independence of the Council in making its funding decisions.

Indeed the Arts Council has already taken on board some of the key recommendations in its recently published strategy "Making Great Art Work" which sets out its plan for leading the development of the arts in Ireland over the next decade. Further information on the strategy is available on the website of the Council at www.artscouncil.ie

This 10 year strategy will be followed by a series of 3-year implementation plans in which the Arts Council has committed to incorporating many of the detailed recommendations of the value for money review.

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