Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Feb 2003

Vol. 561 No. 1

Written Answers. - Arts Funding.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

315 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if, notwithstanding his previous response in regard to possible funding of traditional circuses, he will consider on a case by case basis offering funds from the proceeds of the national lottery funds which may be available for such purposes and could be extremely helpful to circuses going through financial difficulties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3743/03]

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Mr. O'Donoghue):

As I informed the Deputy in my response to a parliamentary question of Thursday, 30 January 2003, the principal channel through which my Department delivers financial assistance to the arts is via the Arts Council. This applies regardless of the art form in question and an exception cannot be made in this context.