Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 October 2004
226 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if the Arts Council budget will be increased to €70 million in line with the Government’s own funding strategy for the council 2002-06; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26489/04]
View answerThe amount sought by the Arts Council is €68 million, which represents an increase of almost 30% on the 2004 figure. I presume that when the Deputy refers to "the Government's own funding strategy," he is referring to the Arts Plan 2002 to 2006, which projected funding of €70.69 million for 2005. This plan was prepared and approved by the Arts Council on its own initiative. It has recently been set aside by the council. I will do my utmost to secure the best possible deal for the Arts Council in the context of the Estimates for next year.
