Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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231. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans to make funding available to support the development of amateur theatre and amateur musical theatre here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16361/25]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Under the Arts Act 2003, the Arts Council has primary responsibility for the development of the arts in Ireland and Budget 2025 has provided record funding of €140 million for the Arts Council. The Arts Council and it is committed to increasing public engagement in the arts in Ireland and it provides financial support to a number of initiatives aimed at increasing public access, participation and engagement in the arts.

The Council invests funding in a range of art forms and developmental projects including Creative Schools, Creative Places, Creative Europe and Culture Night. For example, Culture Night, in collaboration with RTÉ, creates opportunities for artists at all levels. Details of all these programmes are available on the Arts Council's website. The Council also supports festivals across the country providing opportunities for performances of many forms.

In regard to music specifically, the Arts Council’s music policy "Advancing Music – Music Policy and Strategy" published in 2023 includes plans to:

• identify optimum models of provision of a national network of accessible performance, rehearsal and recording venues for new and emerging artists in a range of specialist music genres and practices, and for community music-making;
• engage proactively with other national, amateur music making organisations to establish supportive partnerships;
• avail of the Arts Council–local authorities strategic partnership to develop more strategic funding of local voluntary and amateur music-making;

• Annual funding provided to Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann for its work in the protection and promotion of Irish traditional music and culture;
• The Music Capital Scheme, managed by Music Network on behalf of my Department, provides funding for the purchase of musical instruments to both non-professional performing groups/ensembles and professional musicians;
• A small-scale local festivals and summer schools scheme designed to support local cultural festivals and summer schools that may not be eligible under funding criteria for larger scale events supported by Fáilte Ireland, the Arts Council and similar bodies. The maximum funding available under this scheme is capped at €5,000.

A new pilot capital support scheme for Arts, Culture and the Night Time Economy will support development of vibrant late night arts and culture scenes in Irish cities, towns and villages as well as additional capital to assist in the provision of building and equipment needs, artists’ workspaces, and adapting facilities to reduce energy needs and carbon footprints.

In 2025 €8m, which is the highest level of funding for Culture Ireland since its establishment, will support more Irish artists to launch and develop their careers on an international stage.

The Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme which is €105m scheme involving 2,000 artists and creative arts workers nationwide.

Funding for the Safe to Create Programme, including Minding Creative Minds, that supports all artists and creatives.

Funding is provided for cultural events such as Other Voices and Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann that in turn helps to sustain the arts at all levels.

Funding programmes within the Broadcasting and Media area also serve to promote many artists and creative talents from across the music sector.

Additionally, a network of cultural infrastructure exists throughout the country with the majority in the ownership of local authorities. Annual support, including programming and revenue supports, is provided to these arts centres by local authorities and the Arts Council. These Arts Centres are where artists and audiences meet and this is a key part of the Arts Council strategy to invest in public engagement. My Department focuses on providing capital grant funding to assist development and to maintain these arts and cultural facilities. Funding is administered through applications received for specific grant schemes.

Notwithstanding the official supports described above, it would be appropriate to mention the significant number of commercial sponsors who also contribute towards the national associations and annual programmes for amateur drama and musicals. I take this opportunity to acknowledge their generous support to the national bodies and also to commend the special contribution of the title sponsor of the RTÉ All Ireland Drama Festival in Athlone which will take place from the 8th to the 16th of May this year in Athlone under the auspices of the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland.