John Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In the part of Kerry I am from, Listowel and Listowel Writers' Week is very important and it is very close to my heart.

People involved in the arts, artists, are probably this country's greatest asset. The nature of the people and the love for what they do almost surpasses any barriers that are put in their way. As a result, we have developed in spite of ourselves and the barriers. We have brilliant individuals, festivals and almost entire cultures because of the nature of the people and their determination. The love of what they do drives them and surpasses all barriers.

Being familiar with Listowel Writers' Week I believe it is probably the most unique and enjoyable event in Kerry culture if not in terms of the entire country. I recall being Mayor of Kerry in 2014 and awarding prizes to schoolchildren who had partaken in poetry and essay competitions. Those children would not have the opportunity to show their creative ability without Listowel Writers' Week. The way the committee has reached out to the education system and to young people in particular has been exemplary. As a result, the festival is something that is to be enjoyed. I do not believe I have ever come across a person who had gone to Listowel Writers' Week and not come away having had a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

I want to record my appreciation and the appreciation of the people of north Kerry for the wonderful and unique event that is Listowel Writers' Week. Ms Máire Logue and Ms Catherine Moylan highlighted the challenges they face. At the top of their list is the one that challenges everyone, namely, funding. From an Oireachtas budgetary point of view, in terms of the money we give to the arts relative to the bang we get for our buck, every euro we put in we get back in spades. However, the level of funding must be greatly increased. The success of all of these festivals in Galway, Tyrone and Kilkenny is because of the people who drive them, not because of the funding we make available to them. As a Parliament, we should do much more from a funding point of view.

I have one question which might be appropriate for all the witnesses. With regard to volunteerism and staffing, are there are challenges in respect of the issue of Garda vetting? That particular process is necessary but it is an arduous one to go through. Has it reached the levels of festivals yet or can the witnesses recruit and work with volunteers without having to go through that process?