Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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91. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to support the Briary Gap, Macroom to be re-opened after the 2016 fire; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39838/18]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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My Department approved capital funding in principle of €250,000 in respect of the Briary Gap Theatre in Macroom under the Arts and Culture Capital Scheme 2016-2018. The amount was payable to Cork County Council towards the restoration and enhancement of the theatre, pending clarity on all reinstatement issues including the contribution from insurances, and subject to the acceptance of Council of the conditions attached to the funding.

My Department has had a request for significant additional funding above the original grant from Cork County Council and is in discussion with the Council in relation to the request.

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
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92. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps being taken to address the difficulties artists are having in sustaining their livelihoods in large Irish cities due to mounting living costs. [39832/18]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the issues referred to in the questions and I am determined to deliver additional supports to the arts and culture sector in line with Government commitments. In this regard, primary support for the Arts is delivered through the Arts Council. Funding for the Arts Council has increased by 20% over the past 4 years and now stands at €68.2 million in 2018; representing 23% of the total allocation to of my Department and over 49% of all current expenditure by the Culture Division of my Department. My Department's Creative Ireland Programme is also delivering additional resources to the sector, for example, through the Creative Youth Programme, Cruinniú na Cásca and the Culture and Creativity Strategies delivered by local authorities.

My Department has also provided investment for artists studios under the Arts and Culture Capital Scheme and has been in discussion with Dublin City Council in particular, and the Arts Council, in relation to the provision of facilities for artists in Dublin City.