Vol. 573 No. 3
411 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if the ?3.25 million cut to recommended and planned Arts Council funding in budget 2003 will be restored; if the Government will consider multi-annual funding for the major arts institutions here; and the Government's views on the Theatre Forum's pre-budget submission. [24797/03]
I am acutely aware of the problems that resulted from the necessary decisions taken by the Arts Council as a consequence of reduced funding this year. These problems have been highlighted by various arts organisations, including by Theatre Forum. However, while I always regret having to accept reduced funding for any area within my remit, and particularly for the arts, the reality is that the sort of year-on-year growth that had been possible in boom times simply cannot be maintained when the economic tide turns, and in the prevailing circumstances, I believe that I got the best deal for the arts that could be achieved in 2003.
Our Estimates system is based on an annual cycle, which is not obviously compatible with the multi-annual approach to funding. I cannot therefore respond positively to Theatre Forum's suggestions in this context. The forthcoming Estimates process will determine the funding provided for 2004. In that context I will be pressing the case for increased arts funding to the maximum extent possible.
