Vol. 565 No. 3
270 Mr. Cassidy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the details regarding the amount of public expenditure on arts in the country; and if he will provide a breakdown between the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism and local authorities. [10643/03]
Government support for the arts is, in the main, channelled through the Arts Council, which is independent in the disbursement of its funds. In 2003, Government funding for the Arts Council amounts to €44.101 million.
My Department grant aids directly the Irish Museum of Modern Art and the National Concert Hall. The amount provided in sub-head D3 of my Department's Vote in 2003 for these institutions is €5.831 million. A provision of €8.436 million is provided under Vote 41 in respect of the National Gallery of Ireland.
In addition, my Department directly provides capital grants for the provision of arts and cultural infrastructure around the country under, for example, the ACCESS scheme. A provision of €10 million approximately has been included in sub-head D5 of my Department's Vote in respect of anticipated expenditure under this scheme in 2003.
My Department does not have details of arts expenditure by local authorities.
