Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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250. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which the arts sector continues to attract support from philanthropists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10407/18]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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Private support for the arts is an important funding source and the Government continues to support this through tax incentives and other initiatives.  The Programme for a Partnership Government contains a commitment to encourage strong, mutually beneficial links between the business community and the arts community to assist arts organisations to capitalise on sponsorship opportunities and to develop business partnerships and fundraising skills.  In this regard, I recognise the important work carried out by Business to Arts for which my Department provides some assistance.

In addition, the Arts Council operates the RAISE programme, which seeks to enhance fund-raising skills in arts organisations with a view to diversifying the sector's sources of funding.  It is designed to assist the sector in securing philanthropic contributions to the arts in Ireland.    

In terms of other capital investment requiring co-funding, I have announced my Department has announced investment of over €10m for arts and cultural centres, focussed on upgrading the existing stock of such centres around the country.  The funding is dependent on matching funding being secured by project promoters and will therefore provide an opportunity for philanthropists to involve themselves in the arts.

My Department's capital plan for investment in our Culture, Language and Heritage 2018 - 2027 will also provide opportunities for philanthropic support of the sector.