Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will not go into detail but I wish to emphasise the critical issue of funding for arts venues. They are an integral part of rolling out the arts to the people. I maintain my position that there have been disproportionate cuts. Ms McBride cited the fact that 100 organisations have had their funding withdrawn since 2008. That is hardly proportionate. I am aware of cases in my county where that has happened. It has not been proportionate. I am saying that we must be given a break. Real meaningful work is taking place in the arts. I believe it should be a central piece of arts programming, the delivery of the arts being the objective of the Arts Council.