The Government's priorities for the arts are set out in the Programme for Government. Responsibility for the promotion of the arts at all levels throughout the country is devolved primarily to the Arts Council. The Council is a statutory body, funded by my Department, and independent in its day-to-day operations, including in relation to its funding decisions.
I am acutely aware of the beneficial effects of arts in the community, both from the aspect of individual participation and that of community involvement, as well as their potential for impact in addressing social inclusion issues.
Since taking office, I have engaged extensively with the arts community at local and national levels. Following dialogue with local arts officers, a pilot interactive strategy has been put in place, which, I believe, will lead to more co-ordination in arts and culture activities at community and at local level. Many projects have received capital funding under the arts capital schemes operated by my Department. These projects — situated in the heart of communities — assist in local arts endeavours and I would urge communities to support and participate in the many and diverse range of activities offered by them throughout the State. Details of these payments are on my Department's websitehttp://www.ahg.gov.ie/en/Arts/ GrantsandFunding/CulturalDevelopmentExpenditure/
As the Deputy is aware, I also forwarded details to him on 25 April last of financial assistance provided by my Department to bodies/groups over the period since the establishment of my Department on 2 June 2011. In addition, I supplied information received from the Arts Council, which included assistance to groups in Co Kildare.