Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 May 2017
708. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her plans to carry over funding for the 1916 commemoration to the general arts, culture and film programme to 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19717/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2016, once off funding of approximately €49 million was allocated to the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme under my Department comprising , approximately €18 million in current funding and €31 million in capital. I have retained the majority of the €18 million current funding for 2017 which is now part of the baseline for the Arts division of the Department, meaning it will be available for future years.
I have already announced increases in funding across a range of arts bodies under my Department's remit as part of Budget 2017.
This has included:
- An additional €5 million for the Arts Council, an 8% increase in its annual budget.
- Boosts in funding for all of the national cultural institutions;
- €1.5 million to facilitate the opening of the newly restored historic wings at the National Gallery of Ireland;
- An increase of €2 million for the Irish Film Board and €1 million for Culture Ireland;
- Funding of €5 million for the implementation of the Creative Ireland Programme.
