Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 October 2013
27. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the funding provided from his Department to the Crafts Council of Ireland; the reason the Crafts Council of Ireland is under the aegis of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation; his views on whether his Department should have more engagement with the Crafts Council of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38465/13]
View answerThe Crafts Council of Ireland is the national design and economic development organisation for the crafts industry in Ireland with the objective of fostering the sector’s growth and commercial strength, communicating its unique identity and stimulating quality design, innovation and competitiveness.
Since 1976, the State, through my Department, has provided funding to the Crafts Council. The Council’s annual Exchequer allocation is approved by my Department and disbursed through Enterprise Ireland. Funding for 2013 amounts to €2.9 million.
The Crafts Council engages directly with my Department and also through Enterprise Ireland in regard to funding, strategy, business plans and its other corporate governance matters. I appoint four Members to the Council’s Board of Directors including the Chair and a representative from Enterprise Ireland. This ensures an appropriate level of engagement with the Crafts Council.
In order to meet its objectives to grow the sector and develop its commercial strength, I believe that it is appropriate that the Council works closely with my Department and Enterprise Ireland whose remit includes indigenous company development, export growth and job creation.
