Vol. 439 No. 3
21 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht if his attention has been drawn to the dismay expressed by the Arts Council at the inadequate level of funding allocated in the Estimates for 1994; the plans, if any, he has to increase the level of funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Notwithstanding the publication last December of the abridged version of the Book of Estimates for 1994, I continued with my efforts to secure increased funding for An Chomhairle Ealaíon. I believe that recent events have shown that I have enjoyed considerable success in my efforts. The allocation for An Chomhairle Ealaíon was increased by £1 million in the recent budget, giving them an overall increase of 14 per cent in 1994 over their 1993 figure which represents an increase of over 30 per cent in their funding since my appointment. This was, I believe, a significant achievement under any circumstances. It is worth pointing out that An Chomhairle's allocation for 1994 not only meets the commitment made in the Programme for a Partnership Government but exceeds it. The Deputy should be aware that the allocation achieved for An Chomhairle was widely welcomed by many groups and individuals interested in the cultural life of the nation and among those who contacted me to express their appreciation of my efforts were the Chairman and the Director of An Chomhairle itself.
