Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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21. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if there will be increased funding or new funding streams for an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3661/23]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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Operating on a non-commercial and voluntary basis, the organisation to which the Deputy refers is the national organisation for the promotion of tradition music and dance, language and culture. I am very conscious of their tremendous achievement through programmes of education and training, special performances, regional and local events and the operation of their established centres throughout Ireland. Classes are provided at all levels in music and dance and performances are a showcase at home and abroad for this important expression of national culture and identity.

The organisation in question has been in receipt of direct support from my Department by way of it's annual allocation. I was pleased that this provision could be increased to €2,000,000 for 2022. This funding has been complemented from time to time by special allocations as specific needs are brought to attention in the continuous liaison between the organisation and the Department, - notably of late including:-

- special provision for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann restarting in Mullingar in 2022 having been suppressed by COVID controls in the two previous years,

- support for the Cothromaíocht programme to put in place structures and safeguards throughout the organisation for safety, equality and fairness, especially with regard to young people, and

- an assistance package to address energy cost increases on the Cultúrlann and the other centres around Ireland.

The contribution by local authorities through amenity development, urban renewal and services provision towards the Fleadh can be a significant investment. I believe it is a good investment that is rewarded quickly with tourism and hospitality revenues and the promotion of the urban area to a very large audience. I appreciate that the organisational effort of the Fleadh Cheoil has consistently been well supported through direct assistance from the local authorities. The Deputy will recall our meeting with the Organising Committee from Mullingar re their preparations for the Fleadh. In addition to the provision of €100,000 from my Department, there was a further €150,000 approved from the Local Government Fund within the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage.

I welcome this increasing recognition of the significant stimulus to the local economy for the host town and community that can be achieved through the Fleadh Cheoil. I am confident that the Organising Committees will continue to build on that recognition in the future. I think it is important also to acknowledge that the support of local businesses and the community is an important strand of Fleadh arrangements. These great festivals attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors and enthusiasts over the duration would not be possible without financial support from businesses and the voluntary effort of the community in preparing and managing the event safely for all to enjoy.

In addition to the support provided to the organisation, many of its regional and local branches have sought funding from other schemes over a number of years. Under the Small Scale Local Festival and Summer School Funding Scheme, CCE branches received a total of €18,000 in 2022, €4,000 in 2021, €3,000 in 2019 and €3,000 in 2018.

The organisation also receives capital funding from this Department, which over the last number of years has been as follows;

2021 €42,454,

2019 101,077, and

2018 €9,100.

The dialogue between my Department and the organisation in relation to the allocation for 2023 has not yet concluded. When this is finalised a letter of offer will issue from the Department directly to the organisation and I will arrange that the outcome is also notified to the Deputy.