I propose to take Questions Nos. 719 and 720 together.
As I have mentioned in a reply to a similar Question from the Deputy on this matter, there are two EU programmes operating in the areas for which I have responsibility:
1. The Media Programme is the EU support programme for the European audiovisual industry and details, including the operation of the programme, are available at www.mediadeskireland.ie; and
2. The Culture Programme is the EU support programme for organisations working in the field of culture and details, including the operation of the programme, are available at www.ccp.ie.
It is not possible to estimate how much any country will receive from the two programmes. Periodically, there are calls for proposals from the European Commission seeking applications for support under the programmes. The applications are then assessed by an independent body, the Executive Agency for Education, Audiovisual and Culture (EACEA). The decisions on what support is provided are based on the merits of the applications: there is no quota for each country or no amount allocated to each country.
Discussions are currently underway between the Member States and the European Commission on a new framework programme for the cultural and creative sectors. This will run from 2014 to 2020 and be called the Creative Europe Programme. It includes a proposal to amalgamate the current Culture and MEDIA programmes under a common framework and create an entirely new facility to improve access to finance. A budget of some €1,800 million is mooted for the new programme but it is not finalised yet. Once the new programme is finalised, details of how to seek funding from the programme will be made available through appropriate information outlets.
