Ms Karan O'Loughlin:

We very much welcome the suggestion we might come together in some shape or form to create a legislative base on the status of the artist and everything that comes with it. I am very happy to have participated in this discussion and witnessed everything that been said. It is important that the committee notes there is more that joins than separates the various groups which are here, particularly with regard to funding, creativity and the desire we all have to ensure artists can have sustainable careers in Ireland.

With regard to funding, it is important to state if we are to have a global conversation on this we need to watch what is happening outside of the island, particularly if we are examining possibilities to interact with Northern Ireland. If Brexit comes to fruition it could have a serious impact, possibly very negatively, on the industry in Ireland. We need to ensure we have positioned ourselves properly to be able to deal with it. There are real possibilities through working with the committee and through the stakeholders working together on a global vision. It is important that we note this as part of the conversation.