Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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712. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the measures being taken to support the arts and artists in County Kerry; the plans he has to promote and support the arts and artists in the county going forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29958/25]

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.

There have been significant increases in support for arts and culture across the country, including Kerry, in recent years. Within my Department, there are a number of measures in place to support the arts at amateur and professional levels including:

• 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.
• Creative Ireland Programme funding in 2025 is supporting the delivery of a number of creative projects nationwide.
• The pilot capital support scheme for the Night Time Economy will support the 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.
• Capital funding is also available nationwide for the provision of artists’ workspaces and adapting arts 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 across the country.
• Funding is provided for cultural events such as Other Voices in Dingle 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.

More broadly, 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, an increase of 75% since 2020. The Arts Council is committed to increasing public engagement in the arts in Ireland, including County Kerry, and it provides financial support to a number of initiatives aimed at increasing public access, participation and engagement in the arts.