Martin Ferris (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

148. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps she will take to increase employment in the arts and culture sectors. [13905/16]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

152. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she encourages the development and promotion of the arts and, in particular, the maximisation of employment opportunities arising therefrom; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14003/16]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 148 and 152 together.

Employment in the arts and cultural sectors encompasses a wide range of activities, from theatre and music to tourism. It may also embody the industrial creative sectors, including audio-visual production. My primary role is to support artists and the creative industries in Ireland using the mechanisms available to me across Government on common initiatives such as the Action Plan for Jobs.

In relation to assisting young people finding employment in the Arts, I believe the most appropriate way to do this is to encourage the expansion of arts and cultural activity. Increased Government funding will assist, such as the supports provided by the Arts Council and my Department through Culture Ireland, as well as increased investment by other public bodies such as local authorities, in addition to the increased investment generally which arises from a healthy sustainable economy. Furthermore, the commitment to deliver Ireland's first national cultural policy Culture 2025 offers an opportunity to consider how arts and culture can be embedded right across Government.