Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 May 2017
42. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her views on the role of Aosdána in recognising and supporting Irish artists; if she plans to limit and diminish the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20438/17]
View answerWhat is the Department doing about the row that seems to have broken out with the Arts Council in respect of the proposal on the cnuas, the stipend, paid to several members of Aosdána? Apparently, a time and motion study is to be conducted by the Department on the productivity of artists. This is like something out of An Béal Bocht by Flann O’Brien or Cré na Cille by Máirtín Ó Cadhain. What the heck is going on in the Department Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs? What is the Minister doing about it?
Aosdána is a unique initiative established by the Arts Council in 1981 to honour creative artists who have made a significant contribution to the arts. There are some 250 members of Aosdána, including seven new members who came into membership last week. The scheme is the responsibility of the Arts Council and not my Department. It should be noted that under section 24(2) of the Arts Act 2003, the council is independent of the Minister in its funding decisions.
Members of Aosdána can qualify for a means-tested payment, known as the cnuas, if they are resident in Ireland and are full-time practising artists. Following recent internal audits of Aosdána and a value for money policy review of the Arts Council, undertaken under the guidance of an expert steering committee chaired by Dr. John O’Hagan, professor of economics at Trinity College Dublin, the council is reviewing all aspects of the administration and procedures of Aosdána to ensure the most appropriate governance and oversight arrangements are in place.
In regard to any issues which arise from the review of the Aosdána, these are a matter for the Arts Council and Aosdána. On the proposed changes to the cnuas payment, I understand a process of engagement is planned. I encourage both sides to engage in this thoroughly. I noted in a recent statement Aosdána referenced the relationship of trust which it has shared with the Arts Council for three decades. I hope, therefore, any issues can be resolved now through a collaborative approach.
The Minister’s answer was terribly unsatisfactory. Aosdána was the creation of Anthony Cronin, who died recently. He was artistic adviser for several years to the late former Taoiseach, Charles J. Haughey. It was seen as one of the best actions ever taken in recognising and supporting our artists. For example, what if we have another James Joyce who happens not to be making much money? As we know, that bedevilled Joyce all through his life. However, the Government is happy to embrace James Joyce when it comes to tourism and cultural activities as one of the great writers from this country. Unfortunately, he left this country because he had difficulties getting published and making a living here for his family.
As a Minister with arts in her title, is she not interested in these artists? As she said, Aosdána artists' cnuas is means-tested. Doe she believe some artists are lying about their means? Does she suspect fraud? There are times when the Minister cannot stand back. The crisis is over. The Government is constantly informing us that, thankfully, we have a lot more money. What is this argument about?
I am committed to the arts and to artists.
For the Deputy to use the words she has is wrong. I have never even mentioned those words and neither would I dream of it. We will leave the words "lying" and "fraud" with the Deputy-----
No, to start with-----
-----as I certainly would not use them. One of the founding principles of Aosdána was to recognise the huge contribution made by artists and the creative arts to this country. I recognise the incredibly important role that artists play. It is very important we recognise and value this role, and to this end I am developing a pilot initiative with my colleague, the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Varadkar, to make it easier for artists to access social welfare supports. However, I remind the Deputy this was set up to be independent of the Minister in funding decisions under section 24(2) of the Arts Act 2003. I cannot interfere and if I was to interfere, the Deputy would be the one to tell me I should not be interfering.
I remind the Minister and I am sure she will remember that as Tánaiste I constantly fought as part of the previous Government with the two Ministers for Finance, including the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, to get more funding into the arts. The Minister might acknowledge that when I was Tánaiste I was probably one of her strongest backers around the Cabinet table. I also met many artists. We should remember that many very fine artists in Ireland do not even earn the minimum wage, never mind the living wage. I acknowledge the Minister is saying she does not interfere in the day-to-day affairs of the Arts Council but she has just spent time talking to colleagues about arts policy, which must include artists and how they can survive and live.
The initiative I have been involved with in social welfare leads to acknowledgement of people working in the arts, with a certain protocol in place. I was involved with setting that up. I hope it is nothing to do with Aosdána and the cnuas, which is a very specific payment. It is very successful in Ireland and I wish the Minister would acknowledge it, although it was the initiative of a former Taoiseach from another party, Charles J. Haughey and, in particular, Mr. Anthony Cronin. He was one of our finest arts figures and died recently. This is wrong so will the Minister rethink it rapidly please?
The Arts Council has received increased funding year-on-year since I was appointed Minister in 2014. I acknowledge the Deputy has been very supportive of the arts-----
I thank the Minister.
-----as have all my colleagues at Cabinet.
Really?
In fairness, we got considerable funding-----
The Minister must have attended some different Cabinet meetings to me.
-----for the 2016 commemorations, which were very important. Last year I was delighted to increase funding by 8% for the 2017 budget, which was an increase from €60 million to €65 million. This was only possible due to the improved economy. As the economy improves, I want to see more money invested in the arts and I will continue to make the case for that. To be clear, I absolutely recognise the major work done by and the importance of Aosdána. It is a matter for the Arts Council. My understanding is there is a collaborative process where it is open to discussions; the Arts Council will work with Aosdána and I hope the matter can be resolved satisfactorily.
