Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 September 2008
1070 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views in relation to a submission (details supplied); the actions he has or will take to underpin the request; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31114/08]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe organisation referred to by the Deputy receives funding from the Arts Council in respect of its activities. As Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism I am committed to securing the best possible funding for the Arts Council and the arts sector generally. The Arts Council's funding requirement for the year ahead will be addressed in the context of the 2009 Estimates. In doing so, the Government must balance competing demands from all other sectors of our economy and society. Funding for the Arts Council has increased from €47.67m in 2002 to €81.6m this year — an increase of over 71%. These are significant amounts of money in any context. This funding has transformed the arts, increasing access to and participation in the arts, and has provided an excellent platform for future development. My policy on the arts is to promote and strengthen the arts in all its forms, increase access to and participation in the arts and make the arts an integral and valued part of our national life.
