Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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39. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the steps he is taking to encourage people who speak the Irish language to progress within the field of arts. [64063/25]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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In regard to Department, Culture Ireland has committed to “Pursue increased number of artists presenting in the Irish language”. To that end, workshops with Ealaín na Gaeltachta, the body responsible for promoting the development of the contemporary and the traditional arts in the Gaeltacht, have been held to encourage artists working through the Irish language to apply for Culture Ireland funding.

I am also informed that Fís Éireann (Screen Ireland), TG4 and Coimisiún na Meán have developed an initiative called Cine4 to encourage and develop original feature films in the Irish language. Projects seeking funding must offer a story-line that has a strong credibility as Gaeilge, prove potential to appeal to Irish and international cinema audiences and demonstrate Irish language capability and gender balance across its creative team. Feature films supported by Cine4 include : An Cailín Ciúin and Báite.

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. I have asked the Arts Council to make direct contact with the Deputy and provide the information requested in relation the steps they are taking to encourage people who speak the Irish language to progress within the field of arts. Please contact my private office if you do not hear from the Council within the next ten working days.