1628. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 104 of 11 June 2026, for an update on the new pilot programme of capital funding for arts and culture organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61767/26]

As set out in response to Parliamentary Question No. 104 of 11 June 2026, in Budget 2026 my Department was allocated €6m for a new programme of capital funding for arts and culture organisations across the country, in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government. A pilot scheme has been under design in recent months and my Department recently secured sanction for the scheme from the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform & Digitalisation. The scheme will provide capital supports for arts and culture facilities across the country and will also support community and voluntary groups in increasing participation in arts and culture. It is hoped this scheme will be launched in the coming weeks.