Robert O'Donoghue (Dublin Fingal West, Labour)
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46. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will commit to addressing the shortfall in Arts Council funding to ensure artists receive the support they need and that communities across the country continue to have access to artistic and creative experiences (details supplied). [10192/25]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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As outlined in the Programme for Government, the Government believes that culture and the arts are essential to a well-rounded society, providing opportunities for education, expression and community engagement. Ireland is world renowned for our rich, diverse and vibrant arts sector.

The Arts Council is the national agency for funding, developing and promoting the arts in Ireland and it works within the framework of the Arts Act 2003. The Arts Council's commitment to the arts is provided for in its 10-year investment Strategy -Making Great Art Work. As a reflection of the Government's commitment to support Irish arts, funding for the Arts Council has increased by 75% in recent years to €140 million in 2025.

With this allocation, the Arts Council has been in a position to very significantly increase the support and funding it provides to the sector. Future funding requirements will be considered in the context of the annual estimates process.