Updated at 6.20pm

SHE’S HAD A torrid few weeks — but this afternoon it’s been confirmed that Heather Humphreys, who was appointed Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in the summer reshuffle, is getting €212 million for her Department next year — a significant increase on last year’s expenditure.

Public expenditure minister Brendan Howlin confirmed the move as part of his Budget announcement in the Dáil today.

He said the money would be spent “to sustain the work of the Arts Council, and to support our important cultural institutions and the Irish language”.

Humphreys has been at the centre of the John McNulty controversy in recent weeks, and came in for criticism from the opposition over her reluctance to answer questions on the issue from the media.

Last year, the Department was given €123 million to spend, including €56m for the Arts Council and €14 million for the Irish Film Board. That represented a 7 per cent cut on the previous year’s Budget.

€4 million is being allocated to support a programme of national commemorative events leading up to 2016, as part of today’s package.

“These resources will ensure that arrangements are made with confidence for a comprehensive and inclusive programme of Centenary commemorations,” Minister of State at the Department Aodhán Ó Riordáin said in a statement.

“Today’s special allocation complements the provision earlier this year towards work on visitor and exhibition facilities at the GPO, Kilmainham Jail, Richmond Barracks, the Tenement Museum and the Military Service Pensions Archive being developed by the Defence Forces.”

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