Vol. 571 No. 3
216 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if funding to the arts sector will be increased in 2004 to safeguard existing jobs, generate new jobs, nurture new talent and maintain cultural quality. [21734/03]
217 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his attention has been drawn to the impact of the cuts effected in the last budget on the arts sector generally; and if the arts budget will be substantially increased for 2004 in this context in order that an increased number of productions and performances can be made available to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22012/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 216 and 217 together.
The Arts Council, though funded by Government, is independent with regard to individual funding decisions, including the management of the resources available in any given year. I am aware that the reduction in funding for the Arts Council in 2003 called for difficult decisions by council which have included making reductions in funding in some cases and that this caused much concern for those affected. The funding to be provided to the council in 2004 will be decided through the forthcoming Estimates process in the context of which I will be making the best possible case for the funding of the arts and the council.
