Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this issue. It goes without saying that of all people, the Minister's commitment to the arts cannot be questioned. As a Deputy in a neighbouring constituency to his and having inherited part of the constituency he had, I know of his commitment to Listowel and Tralee and I know he is by no means afraid to stand up for the arts community.

This motion is quite cynical, particularly in light of the way it has been tabled. Until recently, I was a member of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Environment, Transport, Culture and the Gaeltacht. We engaged with local authorities with regard to how the arts could be part of local authorities. Many of those speaking here extolled the virtue of what they believed should be done, but none of those people was seen at the committee meetings. That is regrettable, because the committee provided a great forum. It was chaired by our colleague, Deputy Ciarán Lynch and provided an opportunity for Deputies of all sides to bring forward suggestions and question those involved in the arts

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