Vol. 562 No. 2
143 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the concern expressed by many people in the arts sector regarding the lack of adequate funding for the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5615/03]
The level of funding, at €44 million, allocated to the Arts Council for 2003 is an unfortunate reflection of the more difficult budgetary circumstances now prevailing. However, it should be recalled that the resources available to the Arts Council have grown rapidly over recent years. As recently as 1997 the allocation to the Arts Council was €26.44 million. The management of the available funding is the responsibility of the Arts Council, which operates independently of Government on a day-to-day basis.
