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Economic Growth Initiatives

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 January 2014

Wednesday, 29 January 2014

Questions (20)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

20. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which he anticipates the arts and heritage sector to contribute to economic recovery; the specific areas wherein the greatest opportunities arise; the degree to which he can assist directly and indirectly through the medium of grant aid or other forms of assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3966/14]

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Written answers

As set out in the Programme for Government, 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. The Government appreciates the importance of the arts, culture and the creative industries to both our society and to our economy. The arts sector continues to offer vital opportunities for the provision of important cultural, social and employment benefits to communities throughout the country.

In terms of financial impact from the wider arts sector, the total direct and indirect tax revenue earned by the Exchequer in 2011 was estimated to be some €336 million. The overall Gross Value Added contribution of the creative industries, which include all of the sub-sectors of the wider arts sector, was estimated at €4.6 billion, which was equivalent to approximately 2.8% of Irish Gross Domestic Product during 2011.

The conservation and promotion of our built and natural heritage also plays a major role in increasing Ireland’s attractiveness as a tourism destination, in advancing national economic regeneration and in creating downstream opportunities, such as in the accommodation, catering and retail sectors.

A study published by the Heritage Council in 2012 found that the historic environment is a highly significant contributor to Ireland's national economy, directly supporting almost 25,000 jobs. Including indirect and induced effects, it estimated that the historic environment sector supports upwards of 40,000 full-time equivalent employment positions in Ireland. In terms of its contribution to national income, Ireland's historic environment is estimated to account for some €1.5 billion annually to the nation's Gross Value Added, with a contribution to the national economy estimated to be equivalent to 1% of total Irish GVA, and some 2% of overall employment. In 2014 my Department’s voted allocation will fund the activities of the Arts Council and of the Heritage Council; the expansion of access and improvement of facilities at the Department’s National Parks and Nature Reserves and the grant-aiding of conservation of the country’s built heritage via a number of programmes, including the Built Heritage Jobs Leverage Scheme , under which a significant fund of €5 million is being made available in 2014 for the repair and conservation of protected structures. All of these activities have an economic component and will help in supporting economic recovery.

If the Deputy requires more detail on specific programmes or plans, I will, of course, be happy to provide that.

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