Fintan Warfield (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses and the publication of the culture 2025 framework policy document. It is somewhat devoid of practical points in respect of artists' experience. For five years I performed here and in the United States as a musician and I studied film and television production in Galway. I am particularly disappointed that the opening paragraph by the Minister does not even recognise the difficulties facing the artistic community. Through its campaign the NCFA has highlighted the economic importance of the arts which touches on Senator Ó Ríordáin's suggestion that these Houses need to have a discourse on the ability of cultural activity to empower society, to foster the amazing diversity of our citizens and ensure that marginalised groups can access cultural activity and engage with that process.

Two examples of political art in the city did just that: the mural for marriage equality which provided visibility for a section of our community that did not have that visibility and the recent repeal of the eighth amendment mural in Temple Bar. These Houses need to have an engagement around not only the economic potential of the arts but there is also huge potential to empower communities,

Education was also touched on and I note the Scottish youth arts strategy was launched in 2014. We do not have a youth strategy here in Ireland and the document does not mention Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures. Education in the arts is very important outside the formal education system. This document needs to recognise the work of organisations such as the National Association for Youth Drama.

We have discussed the North with Screen Producers Ireland. The witnesses mentioned one vision and fragmentation in the industry. Do they see greater potential for engagement between Northern Ireland Screen and the Irish Film Board? Could there be greater collaborative efforts there?

For some time I have given consideration to how this committee can best work with the arts community and cultural industries. This conversation is a good example of that. I would like to volunteer to be a rapporteur for the joint committee to produce a report that seeks ways to strengthen this document but also to make an implementation plan for culture 2025, to maybe run concurrently with the Department's implementation plan, if the committee would be agreeable.