Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 October 2018
92. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps being taken to address the difficulties artists are having in sustaining their livelihoods in large Irish cities due to mounting living costs. [39832/18]
View answerI am aware of the issues referred to in the questions and I am determined to deliver additional supports to the arts and culture sector in line with Government commitments. In this regard, primary support for the Arts is delivered through the Arts Council. Funding for the Arts Council has increased by 20% over the past 4 years and now stands at €68.2 million in 2018; representing 23% of the total allocation to of my Department and over 49% of all current expenditure by the Culture Division of my Department. My Department's Creative Ireland Programme is also delivering additional resources to the sector, for example, through the Creative Youth Programme, Cruinniú na Cásca and the Culture and Creativity Strategies delivered by local authorities.
My Department has also provided investment for artists studios under the Arts and Culture Capital Scheme and has been in discussion with Dublin City Council in particular, and the Arts Council, in relation to the provision of facilities for artists in Dublin City.
