asked the Taoiseach if he will allocate grants from the proceeds of the national lottery to various local authorities who, because of financial constraints, are no longer in a position to offer grants under the Arts Act, 1973 to cultural bodies such as bands, drama groups and choirs; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cultural Projects Funding.
1.
Total expenditure by my Department on cultural projects and by the Arts Council, who function under the aegis of my Department, amounts to £16.3 million in 1988, compared with £13 million in 1987 and £11.1 million in 1986. That substantial increase in the 1988 level of State funding for cultural projects more than offsets the decline in the very modest token level of funding for cultural projects provided by local authorities under the provisions of section 12 of the 1973 Arts Act.
Notwithstanding what the Taoiseach has just said, and I as well as the various cultural bodies who have already received grants under the Arts Act directly through the Department appreciate it, would he consider, maybe for next year, allocating grants to the local authorities who are not themselves in a position to do so as they did in previous years, in order that they might continue the process they have already established down the years?
I think that is a good suggestion. It would be important from the point of view of having local involvement in regional art and cultural activities. I will certainly consider it in connection with next year.