Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 July 2020
261. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the additional supports provided to organisations (details supplied) and those associated or working with the traditional Irish music sector to help them survive and overcome the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. [17413/20]
View answerComhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann are in receipt on an annual subvention of €1.6m from my Department. This subvention remains in place for 2020.
My Department has recently received additional funding of €25m to assist with stabilising the sector in the context of the impacts of COVID-19. €20m of this was allocated to the Arts Council and a further €5m will be allocated to other measures, including securing the future of key cultural and museums spaces and facilities through Ireland, and the production of high-quality digital art and on-line performances. While the details are currently being finalised, funding requirements for Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and other bodies are being considered in this context.
Na Píopairí Uileann are primarily funded through the Arts Council, who are independent in the allocation of their funding. Any additional supports for this body would be a matter for the Arts Council.
In general terms, there are number of traditional Irish music projects funding through the Creative Ireland programme through local authorities, including Keeping the Uilleann Pipes Alive – Craobh na Mara in Co. Fingal and Ceangal an Cheoil in Co. Louth. Further ventures supported through Cruinniú na nÓg include the online Céilí in the Kitchen and Online Traditional Song Workshops for Children –across 10 local authorities.
