Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I do not deny that at all but I am just interested in the selection criteria. Those involved in the arts who are listening to us today are always faced with refusals for funding.

Not very many avenues are open for arts funding. It was my understanding that arts festivals sent an expression of interest to the Department. I thought the Department put a call out to festivals for expressions of interest. The Minister is now telling me that is not the case, that the Department contacted festivals-----