547. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the post budget statement of an organisation representing the arts sector (details supplied); and the actions he will take to engage with this sector to address these specific concerns. [74060/26]

As Minister, I have made it a priority to secure the investment our culture, communications, media and sport sectors need to grow and thrive. The allocation of €1.298 billion supports my priorities for the Department, including the Basic Income for the Arts successor scheme, record Arts Council funding, investment in sporting facilities and high-performance athletes, and sustainable funding for public service media.

Funding allocated in Budget 2027 will enable the continuation of key supports in the Arts and Media sectors, while allowing for the delivery of ambitious projects across Communications, Sports and in our National Cultural Institutions.

Making the Basic Income for the Arts scheme permanent was a priority for me, and this Budget provides the full-year funding to deliver it in 2027. It gives 2,000 artists greater security to develop their work and build sustainable careers. I have also secured record Arts Council funding of over €143.5 million, alongside continued support for Screen Ireland, Culture Ireland and Creative Ireland.

I am increasing funding for our National Cultural Institutions by €3.8 million. They welcome more than four million visitors each year and make our national collections accessible to people from every background, usually free of charge. Through the Arts Capital Investment Fund I recently announced, we will also improve arts and culture facilities across the country, while progressing the redevelopment of the Crawford Art Gallery, the National Concert Hall Discover Centre, and the National Library of Ireland.

This Budget delivers on my priorities across the Department and invests in opportunities that people and communities will benefit from for years to come. The Department’s Arts and Culture programme aims to support and develop access to, engagement with, and participation in arts, culture and creativity by individuals and communities thereby enriching lives through cultural and creative activity; to promote Ireland's arts, culture, screen industry and creativity globally; and to drive a more vibrant and diverse Night-Time Economy. My Department continues to engage with all parts of the sector on an ongoing basis.