Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 6 Nov 2003

Vol. 573 No. 5

Written Answers. - Arts Funding.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

129 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his attention has been drawn to the fact that it is estimated that the performing arts make a ?247 million annual contribution to the economy, provide direct employment for more than 2,000 people here and that annual cultural tourism generated by theatre, dance, opera and arts festivals contributes ?88 million, much of it injected into peripheral regions; if his attention has further been drawn to the level of disruption caused to the sector by the cuts to the arts budget introduced in 2003; his views on these claims; his reasons for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26016/03]

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

I am acutely aware of the contribution made by the arts to our national life, not just in economic terms but in terms of quality of life. I am also aware that the reduction in funding in 2003 caused real problems throughout the sector.

The €44.1 million provided to the Arts Council in 2003 must be viewed in the context of the circumstances prevailing at the time, in which reductions were being applied across a wide range of sectors and against the background of an 80% increase in funding from €26.41 million in 1997 to €47.67 million in 2002. The allocation for 2004 will be decided through the forthcoming Estimates process, in the context of which I will be making the strongest possible case for increased funding for the arts.

Pat Carey

Question:

130 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the impact the 2003 Arts Council funding level has had on the programme activities of theatre groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25974/03]

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

I am well aware of the difficulties that have resulted for all sectors of the arts, including theatre, from the reduced funding available in 2003. The €44.1 million provided to the Arts Council in 2003 must be viewed in the context of the circumstances prevailing at the time, in which reductions were being applied across a wide range of sectors and against the background of an 80% increase in funding from €26.41 million in 1997 to €47.67 million in 2002. The allocation for 2004 will be decided through the forthcoming Estimates process, in the context of which I will be making the strongest possible case for increased funding for the arts.