1550. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether he intends to seek and increase in Arts Council funding as part of Budget 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59264/26]

The Arts Council is the national agency for funding, developing and promoting the arts in Ireland. Under the Arts Act 2003, the Arts Council has primary responsibility for the development of the arts in Ireland and Budget 2026 has maintained the record funding of €140 million for the Arts Council from my Department.

As I am sure the Deputy is aware, 2027 funding for all the functions under my Department are subject to consideration in the context of the Estimates process for Budget 2027, which is now underway.