Sinéad Gibney (Dublin Rathdown, Social Democrats)
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1384. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment whether his Department has plans for the development and promotion of amateur and community theatre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43960/25]

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 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 Arts 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.

I am informed by the Arts Council that the development of amateur drama in Ireland is currently supported through the Theatre team who support theatre artists at all stages of their careers to create work that reflects Ireland out to the world and back on itself. Creative Ireland Programme funding through my Department is also supporting the delivery of a number of creative projects nationwide including amateur drama.

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 amateur and professional 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 took place from the 8th to the 16th of May this year in Athlone under the auspices of the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland.