EU Programmes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2016

Tuesday, 31 May 2016

Questions (589, 591, 603)

Michael McGrath

Question:

589. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she is aware of the fact that the European Union Youth Orchestra, EUYO, is to cease trading from September 2016, due to a lack of European funding in the context of changes in the Creative Europe funding processes; if she will seek to raise the matter at the scheduled meeting of the Education, Youth, Culture and Sport European Council on 30 May to 31 May 2016, to see if an alternative way of funding EUYO can be identified; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13450/16]

Micheál Martin

Question:

591. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she or her officials have been informed regarding the European Union Youth Orchestra ceasing trading from September 2016 due to lack of funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12627/16]

Michael McGrath

Question:

603. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she is aware of the fact that the European Union Youth Orchestra, EUYO, is to cease trading from September 2016 due to a lack of European funding in the context of changes in the Creative Europe funding processes; if she will seek to raise the matter at the scheduled meeting of the Education, Youth, Culture and Sport European Council on 30 May to 31 May 2016 to see if an alternative way of funding EUYO can be identified; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13452/16]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

I propose to take Questions Nos. 589, 591 and 603 together.

I am aware of the funding issues in relation to the European Union Youth Orchestra (EUYO), which was founded in 1976 following a resolution of the European Parliament. Between 1976 and 2013, the EUYO was supported by the EU as a Cultural Ambassador under various EU funding programmes in the creative sector. Between 2000 and 2014, EU programmes for culture have provided the Orchestra with funding worth €10.5m.

In 2014, the Commission launched Creative Europe, the EU’s new programme for the cultural and creative sectors. Competition for Creative Europe funding is extremely strong, and the programme selects only a limited number of projects.

The EUYO successfully applied for funding in 2014. However, in 2015, the Orchestra's next application was unsuccessful. Indeed out of the 112 projects submitted, I am advised that only 15 were selected for funding. My colleague, Minister of State Sean Kyne, TD, is today attending the Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council, where this matter is on the agenda. I have asked him to report on the outcome of the Council’s discussions.