Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020
1274. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she has met with representatives of a theatre (details supplied) further to correspondence of 8 May 2020 to her detailing its financial concerns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8708/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1275. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to provide financial support to a theatre (details supplied) in view of the financial crisis at the theatre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8709/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1276. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she or her officials have discussed the financial crisis at a theatre (details supplied) with the Arts Council; if so, the supports that will be made available to the theatre as a result of those discussions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8710/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1274 to 1276, inclusive, together.
In Ireland, primary support for the arts is delivered through the Arts Council which set up as a statutory agency under the Arts Act 2003. The Government provides funding to the Council to carry out its statutory functions. In 2020, the Arts Council has funding of €80.5m to fund the arts as defined under the act including, visual arts, theatre, literature, music, dance, opera, film, circus and architecture.
I can confirm that the organisation referred to by the Deputy has engaged with officials of my Department. As the organisation is funded by the Arts Council, its on-going funding and financial concerns are matters for the Arts Council, which has the responsibility as well as the competence and expertise to deal with matters such as this. Under the Arts Act, the Council is independent in its funding decisions and I as Minister cannot intervene.
I understand that the Council and the organisation concerned are in ongoing discussions which are well advanced to identify a solution and an agreed way forward. The Arts Council keeps my officials updated on the matter. My Department has also received feedback from the organisation in question on the process.
As Minister, I have full confidence in the Arts Council’s ability to manage the situation to which the Deputy refers.
