Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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48. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will keep to the aim of the previous Government of doubling the arts budget by 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27497/20]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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The Government remains firmly committed to the development of the arts in Ireland, and the key focus at this time is to address the extreme challenges posed to the sector by the COVID-19 crisis. In responding to the crisis the Government has committed significant additional funding in 2020.  Total funding for the arts and culture sector in 2020, excluding provisions for expenditure on administration in my Department, together with the COVID-19 and Jobs Stimulus funding, will increase from €183 million to almost €239 million, which is an increase of €56 million, or more than 30%.

The Arts Council of Ireland is the body through which primary support for the arts is delivered.  The Arts Council funding has increased in recent years and has been increased in 2020 from €80m to €105 million to assist it in supporting artists through the crisis.

The recently appointed Arts and Culture Recovery Taskforce is preparing a report including a set of recommendations on how best the arts and culture sector can adapt and recover from the unprecedented damage arising from the Covid-19 pandemic. The sector includes culture, the arts, the audiovisual industry and the live entertainment industry.   This approach is being informed by research and evidence of the devastating impact of the pandemic on the sector compiled by the Department, the Arts Council and other stakeholders.

With the upcoming Budget and the development of the National Economic Plan, the Government will review and refine existing supports, and consider any further necessary measures required as a consequence of COVID-19.  As Minister I will also be looking to the longer term needs of the sector, recognising the important role that art and culture plays in society and our economy and the need to ensure a positive and sustainable future for artists and arts workers.