Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 November 2019
55. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funding allocated to the Arts Council in each of the years 2017 to 2019; the projected funding for 2020; if her attention has been drawn to comments from the arts community (details supplied) that the provision of funding is disappointingly low and will negatively impact on artists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45451/19]
View answerThe table below shows the funding allocated to the Arts Council in each of the four years 2017 to 2020.
|
Year |
Arts Council Allocation |
|
2017 |
€65m |
|
2018 |
€68m |
|
2019 |
€75m |
|
2020 |
€80m |
The 2020 allocation to the Arts Council represents an increase of 6.7% for the Council. I am satisfied that this is a significant increase given that Budget 2020 has been framed in the context of the economic uncertainty relating to Brexit. Additional funding for our arts and culture, at a time of prudent budgetary management reflects the Government’s continued commitment to supporting Irish arts and artists. The Per Cent for Arts Scheme and the extension of the Social Welfare Scheme for Self Employed Artists in conjunction with the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection announced earlier is further proof of our commitment.
