Dáil Éireann - Volume 637 - 05 July, 2007

Written Answers. - Arts Funding.

Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the assistance available to support the setting up of or the ongoing financing of small art galleries which promote the work of artists; the way such assistance can be accessed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19351/07]

  Deputy Séamus Brennan: The Arts Council is the main channel for Government support to the arts. However, the Arts Council does not provide funding for private, commercial arts organisations such as private galleries. My Department provides capital funding through the Arts and Culture Capital Enhancement Support Scheme (ACCESS) for the building of arts and culture facilities around the country, mainly in the not-for-profit sector. Likewise, commercial organisations are not normally funded unless they fill a clear gap in the public arts and culture infrastructure needs of their area.