Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013
725. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which his Department, directly or through bodies under his aegis, has been in a position to offer assistance to community based groups involved in the festivals or the promotion of the arts on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36951/13]
View answer728. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number and locations of musical productions and events of a classical and-or traditional nature to which he and his Department have been in a position to make a financial or other supportive contribution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36954/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 725 and 728 together.
The Government's policy on the arts is to promote and strengthen the arts in all its forms, to increase access to and participation in the arts, and to make the arts an integral and valued part of our national life.
As the Deputy will be aware, primary responsibility for the promotion of the arts at all levels, throughout the country is devolved to the Arts Council. The Council is funded by my Department and is statutorily independent in its day-to-day operations, including funding decisions. In 2013, the Arts Council will receive an allocation of over €60.6 million in current, capital and EU Presidency funding. Details of all funding provided by the Arts Council to arts practitioners, arts groups and venues, including arts centres, are available on the Council's website at www.artscouncil.ie. In a wider context, the Arts Council support of a range of arts forms is set out in its strategic overview document entitled Developing the Arts in Ireland: Arts Council Strategic Overview 2011-2013. In this strategy document, which is available on the Council's website, its work and key strategic principles that inform its funding decisions are laid out.
I have outlined previously for the Deputy a range of ways in which my Department and relevant bodies within its remit are supporting cultural and heritage initiatives in conjunction with local groups and communities. These include the following listed cultural tourism initiatives that have been wholly or partly funded by my Department:
St. Patrick's Day celebrations;
Music Day;
Culture Night;
Arts Council's support of Arts Festivals, - Festivals and Events scheme, which supports c.150 small arts festivals in towns and villages throughout Ireland each year;
Arts Council funding of arts centres and venues around the State as well as the council' s funding of Touring and Dissemination of high-quality work in all disciplines through the national network of arts centres and venues.
Arts Council's partnership with local authorities and Art Officers throughout the country.
The Council of National Cultural Institutions and other cultural venues – organise a wide range of activities supported by my Department;
Comhaltas Ceoltoírí Éireann–funding by my Department to support their work in the protection and promotion of Irish traditional music;
Cultural and heritage events being held under the auspices of The Gathering;
Web based projects being developed by my Department to promote greater appreciation and understanding of Ireland's heritage for residents and visitors alike; Collaborative work with bodies and groups such as the Arts Council, the Heritage Council, the Irish Heritage Trust, Comhaltas Ceoltoírí Éireann, and Music Network.
My Department also operates a philanthropic initiative for arts and culture organisations.
I would also refer the Deputy to my previous replies in relation to these matters.
