Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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1431. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funding available for a textile artist whose creative skills and dedication to their art has helped them overcome mental health challenges that could have been overwhelming; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35430/18]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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The Arts Council, the main Irish Government agency for developing the arts, works in partnership with and provides funding for arts, artists, arts organisations, public policy makers and others to build a central place for the arts in Irish life. The Arts Council would be best able to advise on potential sources of support in this case. The relevant local authority arts officer may also be able to assist.

The Arts Council offers a wide range of financial supports across artforms and arts practices, including arts and health. Financial supports are both direct and indirect and include bursaries, projects and travel and training awards.

The national arts and health website www.artsandhealth.iewas launched in October 2011 and provides a resource and focal point for the dynamic field of arts and health in Ireland. The website includes resource documents, case studies, a directory of contacts, perspectives on a range of issues and current news. The website was initiated and is funded by the Arts Council as an important element of its Arts and Health Policy. The website was developed by Waterford Healing Arts Trust (WHAT) in partnership with Create, the national development agency for collaborative arts in social and community contexts.

Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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1432. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a building (details supplied) will be purchased for the local arts community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35555/18]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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While my Department provides capital grants to the arts and culture sector for the maintenance and enhancement of arts and culture facilities the Department does not fund the purchase of land or buildings. The local authority may best be able to advise the organisation in these circumstances.