I propose to take Questions Nos 141 to 144, inclusive, together.
Capital grants for arts projects paid in 2012 and previous years under the A7 Cultural Infrastructure and Development subhead of my Department's Vote are published on my Department's website at www.ahg.gov.ie/en/arts/grantsandfunding This funding covered payments under a number of different schemes.
The majority of the payments listed were capital grants payments under ACCESS II (Arts and Culture Capital Enhancement Support Scheme II) in the 2006-2008 period and apply to major capital projects. Applications were made in 2006 following advertisements in the national media. The decision-making process occurred mainly in 2006 and was lead by an independent assessment committee under the chairmanship of Mr John Fitzgerald, former Dublin City Council Manager. The selection committee also included senior representatives of the Office of Public Works, the Arts Council and the then Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism. Grants were allocated in 2007 and again in 2008 based on the recommendations made by this committee. Capital projects usually involve multi-year drawdowns.
When availability of funds allow, smaller capital grants may also be made available. Details of the application process for this type of funding, along with the requirements and criteria for drawdown of these grants, is published on my Department's website at www.ahg.gov.ie/en/publications/artspublications
On 15 May 2012, I announced details of the Philanthropy Scheme and the application process was opened on that date. Full details of all awards made under the initiative in 2012 and 2013 are available on my Department’s website at the link above http://www.ahg.gov.ie/en/arts/grantsandfunding
Applications, under current schemes are assessed by the professional staff of my Department against the published criteria and project proposals are submitted to me for final decision. It is standard practice that records are kept in my Department of all grant assessment processes.