Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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1074. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the funding stream a school (details supplied) can avail off given that the Arts Council does not regard them as a professional arts organisation thus limiting the grants available and the recognition that comes from such Arts Council acknowledgment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45252/25]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Regrettably my Department does not have any suitable funding streams available. The Arts Council is the national government agency for funding, developing and promoting the arts in Ireland. 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.

However, I am informed that the Arts Council does not provide funding to private schools in any artform. Individual professional dancers though are fully eligible to apply for the Arts Council funding supports, including the Agility Award, Bursary Award, Project Award, and Dance Artist in Residence. The latter may be of particular relevance to the school in question (please see the published guidelines) artscouncil.ie/funding-opportunities/dance-artist-residency-scheme/

Should the school referred to wish to explore available funding pathways, I have asked the Arts Council to arrange a meeting withy them to discuss the options in more detail. To take up this offer, they can contact the dance team at . Please contact my private office if you do not hear from the Arts Council within ten working days.