Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism John O'Donoghue has appointed five new members to the Arts Council to replace those whose terms of office have expired.
The appointees are actor Alan Standford, musician Aibhlín McCrann, art collector and businessman Maurice Foley, manager of the Galway Arts Festival John Crumlish and artist Jaki Irvine.
Mr O'Donoghue said he was confident that each will bring their own special skills and experience to their role as Council members.
"As Minister with responsibility for the Arts, funding for the Arts Council has been increased by a total of 38 per cent in just two years to a total of €72.31 million."
READ MORE
"This is the clearest possible demonstration of the Government's commitment to the arts in Ireland," he said.