David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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27. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the way her Department is promoting expansion and appreciation of the arts in all parts of the country; her policy in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24354/24]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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As Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, I have ensured sustained investment in arts and culture in recent years and in Budget 2024 a total of €367.406 million was provided for arts and culture elements of the Department's budget, an increase of €10.424 million from €356.982 million in 2023.

Under the Arts Act 2003, the Arts Council has primary responsibility for the development of the arts in Ireland. The Council works under its 10 years Strategy to address its statutory remit through a policy-driven focus on investment, advice, advocacy and partnership. In Budget 2024, I provided a record €134m funding for the Arts Council in recognition of the transformational impact of this funding and to support the arts sector.

The all-of-government Creative Ireland Programme 2023-2027, led by my Department, seeks to enable each citizen to realise their full creative potential. In conjunction with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, over €37 million has been provided to local authorities from 2018 to 2023 to the 31 local authorities to empower and support community-led participation with €7.5 million allocated for 2024. In implementing their respective 5-year culture and creativity strategies, many local authorities have utilised their funding allocation to promote the expansion and appreciation of the arts in their local area.

The Creative Youth Plan 2023-2027 provides access to children and young people, up to 24 years, to creative, cultural and artistic engagement across all aspects of their lives. With a priority that those that are seldom heard and may experience disadvantage can access the arts and culture, the Plan supports engagement in activities such as creative writing, youth theatre and creative technology.

I announced an additional €10m for 2023 to fully fund the annual cost of the Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme, a three year, €105m scheme involving 2,000 artists and creative arts workers nationwide which will support each beneficiary in developing and sustaining a professional arts practice.

My Department is also rolling out capital supports through the Noise Mitigation Grant Scheme for businesses operating in the Night Time Economy in the context of the implementation of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce Report. This is in addition to €2.5m in current spending for a range of initiatives and pilot projects to support a more vibrant and diverse Night-Time Economy across Ireland including funding for the appointment of 9 NTE Advisors across the country who will develop plans to support a more diverse and cultural night-time economy in their areas.