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Arts Council Funding

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 November 2012

Wednesday, 28 November 2012

Questions (144)

Tom Fleming

Question:

144. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will acknowledge the role played by Siamsa Tíre, Tralee, County Kerry and ensure that there are no further cuts to the Arts Council budget; if he will acknowledge the benefit of the Arts to Tralee town and surrounding areas; if he will ensure that Siamsa Tíre is adequately funded in order that they can continue to run their vibrant and professional programme of events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53280/12]

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Written answers

Government policy on the arts is set out in the Programme for Government. As Minister responsible for the arts and culture sectors, I am committed to securing the best possible funding provision for them during my term of office.

Government policy is to promote and strengthen the arts in all its forms, increase access to and participation in the arts, to make the arts an integral and valued part of our national life, and to maximise the potential for cultural tourism.

I am very well aware of the important role played by Siamsa Tíre, Tralee, in promoting a varied arts and culture programme to those living locally, further afield and visitors to the Kerry area. Primary responsibility for the promotion of the arts at all levels throughout the country is devolved to the Arts Council, which, under the Arts Acts, is independent in its funding decisions. In 2012, the Arts Council received an allocation of over €63 million – a curbing of the budgetary decline of previous years. Under statute I may not intervene in its funding decisions.

The Government appreciates the importance of the arts, culture and the creative industries to both our society and to our economy. I am fully aware of the challenges for those involved in the arts and culture sectors and of the tremendous work they are doing. I am committed to supporting the essential elements of the arts and culture sectors, within the available financial resources and in the light of the evolving budgetary and Estimates processes.

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