Sinéad Gibney (Dublin Rathdown, Social Democrats)
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28. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment to consider expanding funding opportunities for amateur theatre productions in order to support the wider theatre scene and access to theatre at all levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52576/25]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Ireland is renowned for producing world class art, both amateur and professional and it is my ambition that this continues into the future. As outlined in the Programme for Government, we recognise that the arts are essential to a well-rounded society, providing opportunities for education, expression and community engagement.

Under the Arts Act 2003, the Arts Council has primary responsibility for the development of the arts in Ireland and Budget 2025 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.

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. My Department provides capital grant funding to assist development and to maintain these arts and cultural facilities. These arts centres are where amateur and professional artists and audiences meet and this is a key element in investing in public engagement.

Within my Department, there is a small-scale local festivals and summer schools scheme designed to support local cultural festivals and summer schools. The maximum funding available under this scheme is capped at €5,000. Creative Ireland Programme funding is also supporting the delivery of a number of creative projects nationwide.

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 local productions.