Professor Frances Ruane:

Absolutely and we have had that exact discussion with the Arts Council. How is the ripple effect measured? There is a positive ripple effect and potentially a negative ripple effect. As I am an economist by background, I know just how difficult it is. The Arts Council has been working very hard to build its evidence base to try to make its decisions. I respect this entirely and in the past year we have been finding ways to find out what is needed to allow the Arts Council to make good decisions in our interactions with it. To me, there is a big issue in the wider sector, but we will start by looking at those issues which are Abbey Theatre-specific and which have a bearing on everything else.