Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 November 2013
103. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide a full list of outlets that provide heritage funding nationally; the total amount these outlets provide on an annual basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47245/13]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, my Department oversees and has policy responsibility for the conservation, preservation, protection, development and presentation of Ireland's heritage and culture. My Department also seeks to promote the Irish language, to support the Gaeltacht and to assist the sustainable development of island communities. Information in relation to the functions of my Department, as well as the programmes, schemes and events operated and supported by it, can be found on my Department's website at www.ahg.gov.ie. In addition, my Department funds a number of bodies which support the promotion of Ireland's culture and heritage, details of which may be accessed through my Department's website.
In relation to the Deputy's specific query regarding the funding of heritage outlets, I would like to draw the Deputy's attention to the Heritage Council and the Arts Council, which provide a range of supports nationally to a range of groups, bodies and communities for the promotion and protection of Ireland's natural, built and cultural heritage. In 2013, the Heritage Council received €4.09m funding and the Arts Council received €59.9 million in 2013, with an additional €800,000 on a once-off basis, for the European Union Presidency Cultural Programme. If the Deputy has a specific query regarding any line of funding in my Department, I will be happy to send him the details.
