Expenditure across all programme areas in my Department’s Vote continues to be reviewed in light of the Covid19 crisis. Many programme components are being re-imagined on foot of health and safety restrictions necessitated by the crisis, including for example Cruinniú na nÓg, Galway 2020 European Capital of Culture and Other Voices ‘Courage’. Total expenditure for my Department as at 30 June 2020 was at 99% of profile. While it is too early to accurately forecast the full end of year outturn, I can advise that no significant savings are envisaged at present. All expenditure within my Department's vote will continue to be carefully monitored between now and year end to ensure the best use of available financial resources.
Since the outset of the pandemic, officials from my Department have been in ongoing communication with officials in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to the devastating and unprecedented impact of Covid19. This communication has centred around how best to stabilise sectors and ensure their viability going forward and included consideration of reallocation of resources as well as the need for additional resources. A further investment of €25 million in arts and culture during 2020 was announced in June of this year to address Covid19 challenges. The 2020 Further Revised Estimates for my Department passed by the Dáil on 9 July last reflect this additional funding.
