Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 November 2016
450. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the way in which she plans to create an environment in which the cultural sector can be supported through multi-annual budgeting to allow a more strategic and sustainable focus, particularly among the State's cultural institutions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37095/16]
View answerThe Programme for a Partnership Government commits to progressively increase funding to the arts and the cultural sector as the economy improves. In this regard, additional funding has already been provided for 2017. However, I am well aware that an increase in public funding on its own will not be sufficient to allow the cultural sector to maximise its potential. Public funding must be prioritised and used in the most efficient and effective way possible.
One of the areas identified for future examination in the draft framework policy Éire Ildánach/Culture 2025 is the issue of improving the funding structures for the sector, including issues around multi-annual funding, investment in capital infrastructure, cross stream funding and investment in regional and local services. These matters will be considered over the period of the Culture 2025 strategy and in the context of public expenditure policy generally.
