Committee on Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht calls for greater supports for the arts

The report makes a number of recommendations on how the State can foster the arts and recognize its inherent value to society by ensuring it is appropriately supported.

Read the full report here

Speaking at the report’s launch, Committee Chair, Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, said, “Over the course of the Committee’s hearings on the arts, Committee Members were reminded of the importance of the arts in preserving our unique culture and heritage. Ireland is a country steeped in the arts and those who appeared before the Committee reiterated to us its importance, both as an educational asset and an economic driver. Civic engagement is another key facet of a healthy arts sector, encouraging community participation and understanding between people from different parts of society.”

“Witnesses spoke of the detrimental effect of cuts to the arts budget; the Committee is therefore recommending that the Government release a substantial part of funding promised by the Taoiseach in December 2017 when he reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to double the funding of the arts over a seven year period. The report also calls for greater support for creativity in education and intervention to assist teachers in the delivery of music education.”

“We are recommending that all Government departments incorporate arts and culture considerations into their respective policy considerations, recognising the positive impact this approach can have on state policy overall, including on tourism, the economy, education and community development.”