Vol. 455 No. 5
38 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the consultations, if any, his Department has had with the Department of the Environment regarding the implementation of the Arts Plan; and the outcome of these consultations. [9895/95]
72 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht the consideration, if any, given by the Government to providing additional funding following publication of the Arts Plan, 1995 to 1997; the funding that is required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9849/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 72 together.
The Government has not yet given final consideration to the "Arts Plan 1995-97" or to related matters such as additional funding for An Chomhairle Ealaíon-the Arts Council. The plan envisages funding for An Chomhairle Ealaíon of £19.5 million in 1995, £21.8 million in 1996 and £26.1 million in 1997. The current allocation for An Chomhairle for 1995 stands at £16.25 million, representing a funding increase of 60 per cent since my appointment as Minister.
It will be a matter for An Chomhairle Ealaíon to implement the plan in the light of the Government decision in the matter and in consultation where appropriate with other relevant Government Departments, including the Department of the Environment. In order to assist An Chomhairle in this process, I am already actively participating with the Minister for the Environment in research on public art and my Department will be happy to take part as necessary in the ongoing consultation process in the implementation of the plan.
