Sinéad Gibney (Dublin Rathdown, Social Democrats)
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1383. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the way he will ensure that artists, musicians and arts workers are not negatively impacted by any findings of the review of the Arts Council; and that funding levels are not decreased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43959/25]

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% since 2020 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.

The Review of Governance and Organisational Culture in the Arts Council is essential to address failings within the Arts Council and to put it on a sound footing for the future so that it can continue to perform its very valuable role in supporting and developing Irish arts and culture.

I have consistently stated that individual artists should not bear responsibility for any failures by the Arts Council or the Department. The governance failures must be addressed in order to safeguard public funding and to prevent a recurrence of issues that have arisen.

The review is not intended to disrupt the operations of the Arts Council and the Arts Council's day-to-day work of supporting Irish artists is continuing during the review process.

Future funding requirements will be considered in the context of the annual estimates process.