Written Answers Nos. 42-56
42. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the current funding being provided for the arts in 2017; the amount that will be allocated by the agencies or organisations under the remit of her Department; the amount being allocated to arts projects directly by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37395/16]
View answerMost of my Department's arts and culture budget is allocated to the agencies under its remit.
Details of expenditure allocations made available by my Department, to bodies and State agencies under its remit, are published each year in the Revised Estimates Volume (REV) and the Appropriation Account and these are published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform at www.per.ie and on the website of the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General at www.audgen.gov.ie. The Revised Estimates Volume for 2017 will be published in the coming weeks.
Within these allocations, the Arts Council is the primary State agency for funding the arts. In this regard, I secured significant additional funding for the Arts Council as part of Budget 2017. This will see an increase in the Arts Council allocation of €5 m or 8%. Details of the Council's funding decisions can be found on its website at the following link www.artscouncil.ie/Who_we_funded/.
Direct funding from my Department for arts primarily relates to capital funding for individual projects, as well as the promotion of Irish arts and culture abroad through Culture Ireland. A small number of summer schools and similar events receive funding from my Department. Details of these are on my Department’s website at www.ahg.gov.ie.
As I previously outlined, Budget 2017 will include:
- an additional €5 million for the Arts Council, an 8% increase in its annual budget;
- increased funding for all of the National Cultural Institutions;
- an increase of €2 million for the Irish Film Board and €1 million for Culture Ireland;
- an additional €1 million to the Heritage Council; and
- funding of €5m for the implementation of a Culture 2025 /Ireland 2016 Legacy Programme, which will allow me to build on the positive legacy of the Ireland 2016 commemorations. I will be announcing details of this new initiative shortly.
All of this represents real and substantial funding increases across the arts and cultural area and has been welcomed across the sector. It also re-affirms the commitment of this Government to progressively increase funding for the arts as the economy improves, as set out in the Programme for a Partnership Government.
43. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when she expects to announce successful applicants under the CLÁR programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36922/16]
View answerI announced the reopening of the CLÁR programme on 6th October this year, as part of the Government’s programme to support rural development. CLÁR will provide funding for small scale infrastructural projects in disadvantaged rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population.
The 2016 CLÁR programme will provide funding for three separate measures: Safety Measures for Schools and Community/Sports Facilities, Playgrounds and Multi-Use Games Areas, and Local Access Roads.
Local Authorities with responsibility for CLÁR areas were invited to submit proposals in line with the terms of the scheme. The assessment of the applications received has been finalised, and I will be announcing funding for the successful projects in the coming days.
44. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she will address the need for action over the impending loss of the sole ferry link between the Aran island of Inis Mór and Galway; her plans to avert this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32773/16]
View answerAs Minister of State with responsibility for the offshore islands, I am very conscious of the importance of the ferry service referred to for the island of Inis Mór and the vital link that it provides to the mainland. The Deputy will be aware that the ferry service operator has announced that it will cease operations with effect from 1 December 20 16 for approximately 4 months. My officials and I have been actively working, to the extent of my Department’s competence, to help find a resolution to the issues that brought about the operator’s announcement. I have recently had meetings with Galway County Council and with public representatives, as well as representatives of the island community, in relation to the matter. My Department is continuing to examine all of the options that are available to it and will work with interested parties to help reach a settlement which would allow the service to remain in operation, while recognising, of course, the significant role of Galway County Council in the matter.
45. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the Arts Council will publish a new arts and disability policy in 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37204/16]
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 Arts Council is independent in relation to its funding and executive decisions.
In 2013, the Arts Council has published its Arts and Disability Policy 2012 -2016 to address issues of equity, access and participation for artists and audiences with disabilities and this is available on the Council's website. I will ask the Arts Council to reply directly to the Deputy regarding its plans on updating the policy in the future.
46. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Peadar Tóibín den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta, Gnóthaí Réigiúnacha, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cad a dhéanfaidh sí chun dul i ngleic leis an easpa béime agus struchtúir atá léirithe sa tuairisc um Athbhreithniú Bainistíochta agus grádú Bainisteoirí Sinsearacha Údarás na Gaeltachta ar phleanáil teanga agus forbairt phobail. [37405/16]
View answerBa é príomhchuspóir an athbhreithnithe bainistíochta atá luaite ag an Teachta ná measúnú neamhspleách a dhéanamh ar struchtúr bainistíochta Údarás na Gaeltachta ionas go bhféadfar a chinntiú go bhfuil sé ag dul le riachtanais agus cúrsaí ginearálta an lae atá inniu ann. Chuir sainchomhairleoirí seachtracha an t-athbhreithniú i gcrích, ar bhonn comhaontaithe, leis an Údarás agus mo Roinnse. Mar chuid sonrach de seo, bhí sé le cinntiú go dtacaíonn an struchtúr leis an eagraíocht agus í i mbun a sainordaithe reachtaigh a chomhlíonadh.
Is iad na téarmaí tagartha a tugadh do na sainchomhairleoirí ná measúnú a dhéanamh ar an struchtúr agus grádú ag leibhéal ard-bhainistíochta Údarás na Gaeltachta, ag féachaint do ról, d’fheidhmeanna, do bhuiséad foriomlán agus d’fhreagrachtaí an chomhlachta, agus an méid seo uile a chur i gcomparáid le heagraíochtaí eile san earnáil phoiblí a bhfuil dualgais den tsórt céanna orthu. Bhí orthu na feidhmeanna breise a tugadh don eagraíocht faoi Acht na Gaeltachta 2012 a chur san áireamh chomh maith.
Tá mo Roinn se agus an tÚdarás ar aon intinn maidir le cur i bhfeidhm na moltaí i dtuarascáil na sainchomhairleoirí. Tá dul chun cinn maith déanta ag an Údarás cheana féin ina thaobh seo agus tuigtear dom go mbeidh na moltaí uile curtha i bhfeidhm roimh dheireadh na bliana. Faoina shainchúram reachtach, baineann cúrsaí bainistíochta laethúla Údarás na Gaeltachta le bord agus feidhmeannacht sinsearach an chomhlachta agus níl aon bhaint díreach ag mo Roinnse leis na nithe sin. Dá réir sin, is ar bhord agus ar phríomhfheidhmeannach an Údaráis atá an cúram an próiseas seo a thabhairt chun críche.
Tá mo Roinnse sásta go gcuirfidh cur i bhfeidhm na moltaí uile seo ar chumas an Údaráis leanúint orthu ag cur a gcuid feidhmeanna i gcrích ar bhealach rathúil, séanmhar agus go gciallóidh sé go mbeidh an struchtúr foirne ardbhainistíochta is fearr acu a oireann do riachtanais na heagraíochta sa lá atá inniu ann, rud a thacóidh leis an úsáid is éifeachtaí a bhaint as na hacmhainní atá ar fáil - coigilteas suntasach ar an bpárolla san áireamh.
47. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if any research was carried out by her Department into international best practice in relation to arts policy; if her Department has studied the example of Finland which, since independence, has placed central importance on cultural policy and has invested hugely in arts infrastructure; her views on the centralisation of arts funding here, which, according to the Council of Europe's compendium initiative, is characterised by official neglect; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37389/16]
View answerUnder the Arts Act 2003, primary responsibility for the promotion and support of the arts throughout the country is devolved to the Arts Council. In this regard, I secured significant additional funding for the Arts Council as part of Budget 2017, amounting to an increase of €5m or 8%. This will assist the Council in implementing its ten-year strategy Making Great Art Work 2016-2025. This strategy places specific emphasis on the need to plan and provide for children and young people.
The Programme for a Partnership Government commits to the publication of Culture 2025 as a priority and the draft Framework Policy Éire Ildánach/Culture 2025 was forwarded to the Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in July. The Culture 2025/Éire Ildánach framework policy sets out:
- a series of high-level objectives under the heading of Enrich, Engage, Participate to establish Government vision in relation to culture and society in Ireland;
- a set of key values including the intrinsic value of culture, the right to participate in the cultural life of the nation, and the role of culture in fostering a more sustainable future in Ireland; and
- a series of priority measures for implementation across Government and public bodies.
I understand that the Committee is preparing a report on the draft and I look forward to receiving it. In the meantime, I believe that it is important to continue the momentum to build on the positive legacy of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme.
My Department has, therefore, been developing a cross-Government initiative to mainstream culture and creativity in the life of the nation and to promote individual, community and national wellbeing. This will focus on boosting cultural provision and participation in communities and harnessing the goodwill and engagement generated by the commemorative programme this year. It will also act as the main vehicle to take forward the priorities identified in Culture 2025. I have secured funding of €5m in Budget 2017 to underpin this new initiative and I intend to announce further details in the coming weeks.
All these initiatives provide platforms to deepen engagement across the sectors referred to.
I understand that the source of the reference quoted by the Deputy is a Council of Europe research project and that many European countries, including ten EU member states, are not included in the data. I understand also that the data is not standardised and is not comparable across countries. For example, local authority expenditure on the arts, the artists' exemption tax relief, expenditure on public service broadcasting and the Irish language are not included in the figures for Ireland but comparable figures are included in the data for some other countries.
I have previously stated that further research on this issue is warranted. The issue of a definition of culture and of capturing public expenditure on culture is an element of the draft Culture 2025 framework policy, which, as I have said, is with the Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs for input.
48. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the measures she will implement to support professional female artists. [37375/16]
View answerThe Arts Council is the primary State agency for funding the arts and I was pleased to secure significant additional funding for it in Budget 2017. This will see an increase in the Council's allocation of € 5million, or 8%, and will allow the Council to enhance supports to artists and arts organisations.
The Arts Council’s Strategy Making Great Art Work sets out the Council’s plans to lead the development of the arts in the decade to 2025. The Strategy prioritises the professional artist as well as public engagement and outlines a range of actions that will be taken to deliver on its vision. The Council has reaffirmed its commitment to excellence, freedom of expression and diversity in terms of gender and background. The Arts Council is, of course, statutorily independent in relation to the performance of its functions regarding funding of the arts.
In my role as Minister, I seek to take every opportunity to encourage and promote female representation in the arts and culture sector. I recently appointed three new female Chairs to the Irish Film Board, the National Concert Hall and the National Museum of Ireland and I have taken proactive steps to ensure gender balance on the State Boards under my remit.
I also met recently with representatives from the WakingTheFeminists movement, who provided me with an update on their work one year on. I committed to look at the issue of the introduction of gender policies across our cultural institutions, which I believe could have a positive impact on female participation and representation in the arts.
It is also worth noting that, as part of the economic analysis I have commissioned into the film sector, I have asked my Department officials to incorporate the issue of gender balance in the sector into the work of the steering group overseeing the report.
49. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the Government will commit to the long term goal of increasing arts funding to the European average of 0.6% of GDP. [37033/16]
View answerI understand that the source of the reference to 0.6% of GDP quoted by the Deputy is a Council of Europe research project and that many European countries, including ten EU member states, are not included in the data. I understand also that the data is not standardised and is not comparable across countries. For example, local authority expenditure on the arts, the artists' exemption tax relief, expenditure on public service broadcasting and the Irish language are not included in the figures for Ireland but comparable figures are included in the data for some other countries.
I have previously stated that further research on this issue is warranted. The issue of a definition of culture and of capturing public expenditure on culture is an element of the draft Culture 2025 framework policy, which was forwarded to the Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs for input in July last.
In Budget 2017, I secured a series of funding increases across the arts and cultural bodies under my remit. These include
- an additional €5 million for the Arts Council, an 8% increase in its annual budget;
- increased funding for all of the National Cultural Institutions;
- an increase of €2 million for the Irish Film Board and €1 million for Culture Ireland;
- an additional €1 million to the Heritage Council; and
- a new funding stream of €5m for the implementation of a Culture 2025 /Ireland 2016 Legacy Programme, details of which I will be announcing shortly.
These increases will have a positive and distinct impact on arts provision around the country. I have retained the majority of the €18 million current funding which was provided for the 2016 Commemorations for arts and culture. It will, therefore, become part of the baseline figures for my Department, meaning that it will carry forward into future years.
All of this represents real and substantial funding increases across the arts and cultural area and has been welcomed across the sector. It also re-affirms the commitment of this Government to progressively increase funding for the arts as the economy improves, as set out in the Programme for a Partnership Government.
50. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the schemes and supports available within her Department in 2017 to help support rural communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37408/16]
View answerFunding for rural development programmes within my Department’s Estimate for 2017 will amount to €79.27 million. This represents an €18 million (29%) increase on my Department’s 2016 baseline allocation of €61.2 million for those programmes.
The funding for 2017 includes
- A trebling of the funding for the Town and Village Regeneration Scheme, from a baseline of €4 million in 2016 to €12 million in 2017.
- An additional €8 million for National Rural Development Schemes, which includes €5 million for the recently reopened CLÁR Programme.
- €40m for the delivery of the LEADER Rural Development Programme in 2017.
- Increased funding to support Local Authorities to prepare for the roll out of broadband across rural Ireland.
The additional funding will also complement the broader work of the Department, much of which has a positive impact on rural Ireland.
While these initiatives will individually make a positive contribution to rural development, it is their combined impact, along with other initiatives across Government, which will make a real and sustainable difference to rural Ireland. I am currently finalising an Action Plan for Rural Development which will act as a framework for the co-ordination of initiatives across Government to support rural development. The Action Plan will be published in the coming weeks.
51. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of money spent on CLÁR and town and village renewal projects to date in 2016; if, in each case, the funding will be paid after completion of work by the local authorities; the number of projects approved to date under the CLÁR programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37355/16]
View answerThe reopening of CLÁR a nd the launch of the Town and Village renewal scheme this year form part of the Government’s programme to support rural development. In the case of both initiatives, Local Authorities were invited to submit proposals in line with the terms of the relevant scheme. I recently announced the approval of just over €9.8 million to 172 towns and villages across the country under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
In relation to CLÁR, Minister of State Michael Ring will be shortly be announcing the allocations in respect of the successful projects under the new scheme. Expenditure of €54,597 has issued to date in 2016 to fulfil continuing commitments from the previous CLÁR programme.
The funding under both of these schemes is being paid to the Local Authorities in 2016 by my Department in line with approved sanction, and on the basis of their project proposals and funding agreements with the Department. My Department will be closely monitoring expenditure on both schemes to ensure that expenditure is in line with the Public Spending Code and that the funding is spent promptly and in accordance with the project proposals.
52. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta, Gnóthaí Réigiúnacha, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cén dul chun cinn atá déanta aici maidir leis an gconradh nua don tseirbhís aeir go dtí oileáin Árann; cad é an staid go dáta maidir leis na pléití faoin tseirbhís do phaisinéirí báid go hÁrainn. [37354/16]
View answerMaidir leis an tseirbhís aeir d’Oileáin Árann, mar is eol don Teachta, tá próiseas tairisceana ar siúl le tamall anuas faoi stiúir an Oifig um Sholáthar Rialtais. Tá na tairiscintí a fuarthas don tseirbhís á meas faoi láthair. Ach an próiseas sin a bheith curtha i gcrích, déanfar fógra maidir le toradh an chomórtais. Maidir leis an tseirbhís farantóireachta paisinéirí d’Árainn, is eol don Teachta go bhfuil fógra eisithe ag an gcomhlacht farantóireachta atá ag cur na seirbhíse ar fáil go bhfuiltear le tarraingt siar ón tseirbhís le héifeacht ón 1 Nollaig 2016. Tá mé féin agus mo chuid feidhmeannach gníomhach, feadh ár gcumais, chun cabhrú le réiteach a fháil ar na ceisteanna a mhaíonn an comhlacht a chuir faoi ndeara dóibh an fógra úd a dhéanamh. Mar is eol don Teachta, bhí cruinnuithe agam le deireanaí le comhairleoirí agus ionadaithe poiblí áitiúla, le Comhairle Contae na Gaillimhe agus le hionadaithe ó phobal an oileáin, inar pléadh an t-ábhar seo agus na féidearthachtaí chun dul chun cinn a dhéanamh. Leanfaidh mo Roinnse ag scrúdú na roghanna atá oscailte di agus oibreoidh sí leis na scairshealbhoirí uile d’fhonn cabhrú le réiteach a fháil a chinnteoidh go mbeidh seirbhís ar fáil don oileán tar éis 1 Nollaig 2016, ag aithint, ar ndóigh, go bhfuil ról suntasach ag Comhairle Contae na Gaillimhe sna cúrsaí seo uile.
53. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the specific measures the Government is taking to maintain the post office network; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32063/16]
View answerThe postal sector is undergoing significant change both nationally and internationally, with the increased use of electronic communications leading to a decline in core mail volume for An Post. In recent years, there has also been a decline in Department of Social Protection payments and a reduction in Billpay transactions at post offices.
The Government is committed to working with all stakeholders to find solutions to the sustainability of the post office network in this changed business environment. The Post Office Network Business Development Group was established in late 2014 to examine the potential for the delivery of additional Government services through the post offices and to identify new business opportunities for the network.
The Group published its report in January of this year and, amongst its conclusions, recommended that An Post should review and amend the five-year strategy for the post office network, following appropriate consultation with postmasters and other stakeholders.
Two further Working Groups were also established this year to progress the wider recommendations of the Business Development Group. The Post Office Network Implementation Group has been examining issues such as the number and spatial distribution of Post Offices, branch modernisation, the streamlining of products and services, postmaster payments and contracts, and training and qualifications for post office employees. The Implementation Group is nearing the conclusion of its work and its recommendations will be issued to the Board and management of An Post in the next few weeks. It will be a matter for An Post, as a commercial State company, to consider these recommendations and to bring their proposals to the appropriate Government Ministers for discussion.
Separately, I established the Post Office Hub Working Group to identify potential models under which the post offices could act as community hubs, especially in rural areas. This Group has recently concluded its deliberations and is finalising its report. In addition, my officials have also been examining the potential for the post offices to deliver other services, including motor tax and financial services.
I intend to report to Government on these matters in the coming weeks.
54. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her plans for the final phase of the 1916 centenary programme; her views on the success of the past year and the way she will build on this in future years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37407/16]
View answerThe 1916 centenary commemorations were inclusive, respectful and measured and sought to strengthen peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland. Official estimates indicate that over 1 million people were present to participate in and enjoy the commemorative, reflective and celebratory events that took place over the Easter weekend and which were a great source of pride for our citizens. The military parade and ceremony past the GPO on Easter Sunday saw approximately 4,500 guests attending - predominantly relatives of those who took part in the 1916 Rising - as well as many thousands of citizens participating right along the parade route. Easter Monday saw the largest public history and cultural event ever staged in Ireland, with more than 500 free talks, exhibitions, music, theatre, debates and performances across a number of venues and zones in Dublin City Centre. Feedback from members of the public and the media clearly indicated the very positive engagement of the general public with the commemorative events, as well as the extent to which citizens felt a great sense of national pride and respect during this historic time.
The Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme has met with widespread support across the political, academic and community sectors. It has engaged our communities at home and abroad in an unprecedented way and the benefits at community level and indeed nationally cannot be underestimated. The inclusive nature of the programme has enabled citizens to really examine our history and has encouraged them to consider the future of their communities. The local authorities developed their own individual programmes based on the national programme and this has encouraged active citizenship at local level and has leveraged economic benefits right across the country.
Of course, the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme is a year-long initiative, with a huge diversity of programmes and events running throughout 2016. While a large number of the key events took place around the Easter period, the programme has continued through the remainder of 2016, with many exciting and innovative programmes and initiatives, including a large number of activities at local level. A landmark, national conference was hosted by NUIG earlier this month, entitled 1916 - 2016: The Promise and Challenge of National Sovereignty. Next month, members of the Defence Forces will be presented with specially commissioned medals in recognition of their professional service during this centenary year.
I believe that it is important to continue the momentum to build on the positive legacy of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme. My Department has, therefore, been developing a cross-Government initiative to mainstream culture and creativity in the life of the nation and to promote individual, community and national wellbeing. This will focus on boosting cultural provision and participation in communities and harnessing the goodwill and engagement generated by the commemorative programme this year. It will also act as the main vehicle to take forward the priorities identified in Culture 2025. I have secured funding of €5 million in Budget 2017 to underpin this new initiative and I intend to announce further details in the coming weeks.
55. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she will create an arts capital fund, modelled on the sports capital fund, to ensure better long term funding for Irish arts. [37034/16]
View answerEarlier this year, I announced a new €9 million investment scheme for arts and cultural centres to run over the next three years, focused on securing and enhancing our arts and culture infrastructure. The scheme will target investment at a range of different facilities, including arts centres, theatres, galleries and museums, as well as artis ts’ studios and creative spaces. The closing date for receipt of applications was in September and applications received are now undergoing evaluation. Awards will be announced in the near future.
I will also be announcing shortly a subset of the scheme with grants of up to €20,000 for community or voluntary organisations. The details of this funding stream are being finalised and will open for applications in the near future.
56. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the portion of the Creative Europe Fund Ireland has drawn down of the total drawn down fund throughout the EU; and the number of projects that are drawn down here in contrast to other EU states to date. [37404/16]
View answerCreative Europe 2014-20 is the European funding programme for the audio-visual and culture sectors. There are Creative Europe Desks covering culture and media in Ireland, which provide information, advice and technical assistance to arts and heritage organisations in Ireland that are interested in applying to the Creative Europe Media and Culture Sub-programmes.
The Creative Europe Culture Sub-programme has granted over €13 million to projects with Irish partners in its first three years. Over €2 million of this has been awarded to Irish-led projects. Recent statistics show that Ireland's participation is improving and organisations are now more likely to look to Europe for funding. Whilst the Culture Programme 2007-2013 saw 32 Irish organisations involved in successful projects, giving an average of 4 successes per year, in the three years of the Creative Europe 2014-20 programme the average has increased to 7 per year.
Ireland's percentage take from the Programme is broadly in line with our population size. A comparison with Denmark, a similar size country to Ireland, shows that Danish organisations have had success with 23 projects to date in the Creative Europe Culture Sub-programme, while Irish organisations have had success with 21 projects. Looking at overall success rates for the last round of Co-operation Projects (the strand through which approximately 80% of the Culture funds are dispersed), the total success rate across the EU was 12%. Ireland’s success rate was 13%.
In respect of the Creative Europe Media Sub-programme, since the Creative Europe Programme commenced in January 2014, the Irish audiovisual sector has received some €5.338 million in direct funding from the Media Sub-programme. In the first 2 years, 1.7% of the total Creative Europe Media Sub-programme budget of some €216 million was allocated to Ireland. As Ireland represents less than 1% of the population of the EU and, given that non-EU countries also participate in the programme, Ireland has significantly outperformed on a population ratio by more than 50%.
A complete list of funding results is published on the Education, Audio-Visual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) website at http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/creative-europe/selection-results_en.
