Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his comments on the 2016 commemorations. Its success came from collaboration, with everybody working together right across the country, including local authorities and communities. There was an invitation we extended for people to come forward with their ideas and everybody worked together to make it what it was.

I agree with the Deputy that culture is so important. I attended an event last night and saw a young girl who was only 16 years old. The evening, organised by Dublin City Council, was about working with communities in culture, bringing arts into the community. A number of different communities benefited from it. The girl, named Samantha, got up to speak and said that when she saw culture, she saw hope. That resonates very much with us all. These people are going into communities across the city and working with them in putting together cultural projects.

With respect to the budget, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Donohoe, outlined the position very clearly at the budget oversight committee last week. There must be a level of realism in terms of expectations. Approximately €600 million is available in current spending for new policy initiatives, and of that €70 million has been allocated for the increased cost of the housing assistance and rent supplement payments. There is €250 million available in capital spending and of that €150 million will go towards measures in the housing action plan. Members should appreciate that what is left over after that will be relatively small, particularly when one considers it must be divided between 15 Departments. I assure members that I will continue to make the strongest case possible for my own Department. I must be straight too, as there will not be any miracles on budget. There will be modest amount of funding available. I make the case for my Department and I know I will not be able to meet every demand as the resources simply are not there. I must try to find a balance. I appreciate the support of the committee in that respect. Members may rest assured that I will be doing everything I can but we have all been told that there are budgetary constraints and the envelope available is very small.