224. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funding that is available to a music festival (details supplied) in County Cork; if increased funding is available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42041/15]

Festivals which encompass arts or heritage programming may qualify for grants from certain bodies under the aegis of my Department. Primary responsibility for the promotion and support of the arts at all levels throughout the country is devolved to the Arts Council. The Council has a Festival and Events Scheme and there are two calls for applications each year. Information on the funding available under this scheme can be found on the website of the Council at www.artscouncil.ie. While the Council is funded by my Department it is statutorily independent in its day-to-day operations, and specifically in its funding decisions. I understand that festivals are also supported by my colleague, Mr Paschal Donohoe, TD, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, through Fáilte Ireland. Further information in this regard is available at www.failteireland.ie.

Support for festivals may also be available from the relevant local authority through its arts office and heritage office.