Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 November 2016
31. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding provided by the Arts Council to support its arts and disability policy and strategy 2012 to 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37205/16]
View answerUnder the Arts Act 2003, primary responsibility for the promotion and support of the arts, including arts and disability, throughout the country is devolved to the Arts Council. The Council is, of course, statutorily independent in relation to its funding and executive decisions. The significant additional funding that I secured for the Arts Council as part of Budget 2017 will see an increase in the Council’s allocation next year of €5m, or 8%, and will assist it in implementing its 10-year strategy Making Great Art Work (2016-2025). The strategy contains 5 high-level values and includes a commitment to excellence, as well as respect for diversity of artistic practice, of public engagement, and of social and cultural traditions.
