Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)

It would be nice if they came in every now and again and put forward a proposal. I come from a county that is not synonymous with the promotion of tourism. We do not have the mountains Deputy Deenihan has in Kerry and do not have the lakes found in the midlands. However, we have small but very good local arts community initiatives all over the county. These are driven by two people in Limerick County Council, to whom I must pay tribute. They have very small budgets, but are able to achieve a lot. In relative terms the cuts brought in as part of last year's budget were not excessive and not beyond what other Departments have had to take. Ultimately, we need to get back to reality. We have cultural institutions that are second to none, most of which are open to the public six or seven days every week and which are free of charge. I compliment the Minister and the cultural institutions, many of which are managed by the Office of Public Works. Many have a significant voluntary input as well. We should reconsider the motion and in this regard I welcome the amendment proposed by the Government. The Armageddon situation from some on the Opposition benches to the effect that the Fine Gael and Labour Party Government is trying to do away with the arts does not stack up.

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