Arts Council

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 October 2016

Thursday, 27 October 2016

Questions (110)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

110. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she is satisfied that the mandate for the Arts Council is being fulfilled with regard to funding, developing and promoting Irish traditional music, in view of the fact she has responsibility for the appointment of 12 members and a chair to An Chomhairle Ealaíon; and if she is satisfied that representation at board level has the necessary expertise in the art forms of traditional music and song, while recognising an arms-length principle. [32426/16]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

Under the Arts Act 2003, primary responsibility for the promotion of the arts at all levels throughout the country is devolved to the Arts Council, which is the main channel of State current expenditure on the arts. The mandate of the Arts Council includes traditional music. The strategic context for the Arts Council’s support of artforms and arts practice, including all forms of music, is set out in its Strategy Statement Making Great Art Work. This sets out the Council’s plans to lead the development of the arts in the decade to 2025.

I was pleased to secure significant additional funding for the Arts Council as part of Budget 2017. This will see an increase in the Arts Council allocation of €5m, or 8%, and will allow the Council to enhance support to artists and arts organisations.

It should be noted that there are currently 6 vacancies on the Arts Council. The process for selecting the new members of the Arts Council, in line with that for all State Board appointments, is being managed by the Public Appointments Service.