Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)

Galway was once a sleepy place, but it has been transformed. The arts have played a huge role in that transformation. Currently, the arts are worth €150 million to Galway. However, there is one major obstacle. Galway would have been the city of culture in Ireland - unofficially it probably is - but for the lack of adequate space. The arts are meant to be open to all, but what do Galway people do if they want to dance or play the piano? There is no dance studio or school of music in Galway, despite the fact that it has often been the intention to provide one. My interest is in literature and children's writing and I would like to see a writing centre, perhaps along the lines of Fighting Words, in Galway.

There is much to be done. Does the Minister have a regional plan for the arts and what will his legacy be to the country when he leaves this Ministry?